🔧 Colorado - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your Colorado uses coil-on-plug ignition coils (one coil per cylinder) mounted on top of the engine. Replacing a bad coil can fix misfires, rough running, and a flashing check-engine light.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool fully; coils sit near hot parts.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental shorts.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring; unplug connectors by the release tab.
• ⚠️ If the check-engine light is flashing, avoid driving until fixed (can damage the catalytic converter).

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 1/4" drive extension (3"-6")
• Trim clip removal tool
• Torque wrench (inch-pound, 50-250 in-lb range)
• Flashlight
• 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: 6 if replacing all)
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to neutral, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool to the touch.
• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable and move it aside so it can’t spring back.
• Replace coils one-at-a-time to avoid mix-ups.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Use your hands to pull the cover up from its mounting grommets, or use a trim clip removal tool if any retainers are used.
• Set the cover aside where it won’t get stepped on.

Step 2: Locate the ignition coil you’re replacing

• Use a flashlight to find the coil on top of the cylinder head (it’s a small module with an electrical connector and one hold-down bolt).
• Each coil sits directly over a spark plug.

Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• Press the connector release tab and pull the connector straight off by hand.
• If it’s stubborn, gently wiggle—do not pry hard on the plastic.

Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt

• Use a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet and extension (3"-6") to remove the coil bolt.
• Put the bolt somewhere safe so it doesn’t fall into the engine bay.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Grip the coil body and twist slightly while pulling upward to release the rubber boot from the spark plug.
• If it feels stuck, keep twisting gently—don’t use brute force.
• Twist first, then pull—boots can “glue” on.

Step 6: Prep and install the new coil

• Apply a thin film of dielectric grease inside the new coil boot (this helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier).
• Line the coil up with the spark plug well and push down firmly until you feel it seat.

Step 7: Reinstall and torque the coil bolt

• Thread the bolt in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (inch-pound, 50-250 in-lb range) to tighten the coil bolt: Torque to 89 in-lb (10 Nm).
• A torque wrench is a tool that clicks when the correct tightness is reached.

Step 8: Plug the connector back in

• Push the connector on until it clicks and locks.
• Gently tug to confirm it’s fully seated.

Step 9: Reassemble and reconnect the battery

• Reinstall the engine cover (push it onto the grommets until seated).
• Use a 10mm socket to reconnect the negative battery cable snugly.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds. It should run smooth.
• If you had a check-engine light, it may take a few drives to go out on its own; a scan tool can clear it immediately.
• Road test for 10-15 minutes and recheck for rough idle, hesitation, or a flashing light.
• If the misfire is still there, the spark plug or injector on that cylinder may be the real cause.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$360 (parts only, depending on 1 coil vs all 6)

You Save: $135-$200+ by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.5 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.