🔧 NX - Ignition Coil Replacement

Replacing ignition coils on your NX restores strong spark delivery to the spark plugs. This is a common fix for misfires, rough idle, flashing check engine light, and loss of power.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.5 hours

Assumption: stock engine cover/intake layout (no aftermarket intake).

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF and keep the key fob away from the vehicle.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery terminal if you’re worried about accidental shorts.
• ⚠️ Do not pull on wiring; release electrical connectors by the lock tab.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the spark plug tubes (the deep holes the coils sit in).

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" socket extension (1/4" drive)
• Torque wrench (in-lb or low-range ft-lb)
• Plastic trim tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Shop towels
• Flashlight
• OBD-II scan tool
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1 (or Qty: 4 to replace all)
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool fully.
• If disconnecting the battery: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative terminal and isolate it so it can’t spring back.
• Have your OBD-II scan tool ready (a small code reader that plugs under the dash).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover

• Grip the plastic engine cover and pull upward firmly to pop it off its rubber grommets.
• If it feels stuck, use a plastic trim tool to gently lift at the corners.

Step 2: Locate the ignition coils

• The coils are on top of the valve cover, one per cylinder (total 4).
• Each coil has an electrical connector and a small hold-down bolt.

Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• Press the connector lock tab and pull the connector straight back.
• If the tab is stubborn, use a plastic trim tool to help press the tab while you pull.
• Don’t pry on the wires.

Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt

• Use a 10mm socket, 6" extension, and 1/4" ratchet to remove the bolt.
• Set the bolt aside on a shop towel so it doesn’t disappear.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil slightly left/right to break the seal, then pull it straight up.
• If it’s tight, use gentle rocking motions—do not use excessive force.
• Look down the spark plug tube with a flashlight; wipe any dirt at the top with a shop towel.

Step 6: Prepare and install the new coil

• Put a pea-sized amount of dielectric grease inside the new coil boot (it’s a non-conductive silicone grease that helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier).
• Push the coil straight down until you feel it fully seat on the spark plug.

Step 7: Reinstall and torque the hold-down bolt

• Start the bolt by hand a few turns to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (in-lb or low-range ft-lb) to tighten: Torque to 10 Nm (89 in-lb).

Step 8: Reconnect the electrical connector

• Push the connector on until it clicks.
• Gently tug to confirm it’s locked.

Step 9: Repeat for other coils (if replacing more than one)

• Repeat Steps 3-8 for each remaining coil.
• Replacing all four is often more reliable.

Step 10: Reinstall the engine cover

• Align the cover with the mounting points and press down firmly until it snaps into place.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes; it should run smooth.
• Use your OBD-II scan tool to clear misfire/ignition codes if any are stored.
• Test drive for 10-15 minutes and re-check for a check engine light.
• If a misfire returns, the next common causes are spark plugs or a fuel/air issue.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$400 (parts only, depending on 1 coil vs all 4)

You Save: $160-$250 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.