How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2016-2021 Honda HR-V (Fix Misfire & Check Engine Light) (Engine: Inline 4 1.8L)
Step-by-step coil swap with tools, parts list, safety tips, and ignition coil bolt torque spec (12 Nm)
How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2016-2021 Honda HR-V (Fix Misfire & Check Engine Light) (Engine: Inline 4 1.8L)
Step-by-step coil swap with tools, parts list, safety tips, and ignition coil bolt torque spec (12 Nm) for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
🔧 HR-V - Ignition Coil Replacement
Your HR-V uses one ignition coil per cylinder (4 total). Replacing a bad coil restores smooth running, fixes misfires, and can clear a flashing check-engine light caused by a misfire.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours
⚠️ 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’ll be unplugging connectors for a while or working around metal tools. Use a memory saver only if you already have one.
- 🛑 If the check-engine light was flashing, avoid driving until the misfire is fixed (can damage the catalytic converter).
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- 1/4" drive ratchet
- 6" socket extension
- Torque wrench (5–30 Nm range)
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Ignition coil - Qty: 1-4
- Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
📋 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. Wait 2 minutes before unplugging engine connectors.
- Dielectric grease helps prevent moisture corrosion.
- A torque wrench tightens bolts to spec.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Access the ignition coils
- Locate the 4 ignition coils on top of the engine valve cover (one per cylinder).
- If any plastic cover or ducting blocks access, remove the clips/bolts using a small flathead screwdriver and a 10mm socket.
Step 2: Unplug the coil electrical connector
- Press the connector locking tab, then pull the connector straight off the coil.
- If it’s stuck, gently help the tab with a small flathead screwdriver (do not pry hard on the wires).
Step 3: Remove the coil hold-down bolt
- Use a 10mm socket, 6" socket extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the coil hold-down bolt.
- Set the bolt aside where it can’t fall into the engine bay.
Step 4: Remove the ignition coil
- Twist the coil slightly to break the seal, then pull it straight up.
- If the rubber boot stays stuck in the spark plug tube, pull it out carefully by hand and reinstall it onto the coil.
Step 5: Install the new ignition coil
- Apply a very small smear of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot (a thin film only).
- Push the coil straight down until it fully seats on the spark plug.
- Reinstall the hold-down bolt by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
- Tighten the hold-down bolt with a torque wrench (5–30 Nm range): Torque to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs).
Step 6: Reconnect the coil connector
- Push the electrical connector onto the coil until it clicks.
- Repeat Steps 2–6 for any other coils you’re replacing.
Step 7: Reassemble anything removed
- Reinstall any covers/ducting you removed using the 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
- If you disconnected the battery, reconnect it with the 10mm socket and snug it (do not overtighten).
✅ After Repair
- Start the engine and let it idle for 1–2 minutes. It should run smooth with no shaking.
- If the check-engine light stays on, you may need to clear the stored code and verify the misfire is gone.
- Test drive 10–15 minutes and recheck for any roughness or warning lights.
- If misfire remains, check spark plugs next.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $220-$550 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $60-$320 (parts only)
You Save: $160-$230 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.6-1.0 hours.
🎯 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.
Guide for Ignition Coil replace for these Honda vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2020 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2019 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2018 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2017 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |
| 2016 Honda HR-V | - | Inline 4 1.8L | - |


















