🔧 Accent - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your Accent uses one ignition coil per cylinder (coil-on-plug). Replacing a bad coil restores smooth running and fixes misfires, rough idle, and flashing check-engine lights.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

Assumption: 1.6L coil-on-plug with 10mm hold-down bolts.

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine; coils sit on the hot cylinder head.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental shorting.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring; press connector tabs and pull on the plug body.
• ⚠️ If the check-engine light was flashing, avoid driving until repaired (can damage the catalytic converter).

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 3" socket extension
• Torque wrench (inch-pound or small Nm range)
• Flat trim tool
• Pick tool
• Dielectric grease
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1 (or Qty: 4 if replacing all)
• Ignition coil boot (if not included with coil) - Qty: 1 (or Qty: 4)
• Spark plug set (recommended if due) - Qty: 4

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground, shift to neutral, and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully (at least 30 minutes after driving).
• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable and move it aside so it can’t spring back.
• Take a quick photo of coil connectors.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• If your Accent has a plastic engine cover, pull it up by hand to release the rubber grommets.
• If clips are stubborn, use a flat trim tool to gently pry up evenly.

Step 2: Unplug the ignition coil electrical connector

• Locate the coil on top of the engine (one per cylinder).
• Press the connector locking tab and pull the connector straight off.
• If the tab won’t press, use a pick tool to lift the lock gently, then unplug.

Step 3: Remove the coil hold-down bolt

• Use a 10mm socket, 3" socket extension, and 1/4" ratchet to remove the bolt holding the coil to the valve cover.
• Set the bolt aside where it won’t fall into the engine bay.

Step 4: Remove the ignition coil

• Grab the coil body and twist slightly left-right, then pull straight up.
• If it’s stuck, keep twisting gently—don’t pry against plastic parts.

Step 5: Prep the new coil (and boot, if separate)

• If the boot is separate, install it onto the new coil by pushing it on firmly.
• Apply a small smear of dielectric grease inside the boot lip (dielectric grease is a silicone grease that helps sealing and prevents moisture/corrosion).
• Do not coat the metal spring/terminal heavily—just a light film at the rubber opening is enough.

Step 6: Install the new coil

• Line the coil up with the spark plug hole and push straight down until it fully seats.
• Install the hold-down bolt by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten using a torque wrench: Torque to 9-10 Nm (80-89 in-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect the coil connector

• Push the connector on until it clicks/locks.
• Give it a gentle tug to confirm it’s latched.

Step 8: Repeat for other coils (if replacing more than one)

• Repeat Steps 2-7 for each remaining coil you are replacing.
• Replace one coil at a time to avoid mix-ups.

Step 9: Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery

• Reinstall the engine cover by pressing it down evenly onto its grommets.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket and snug it securely (do not overtighten).

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes; it should run smooth.
• If you have a scan tool, clear any stored misfire codes and re-check for codes after a short drive.
• Take a 10-minute test drive. Watch for stumbling, flashing check-engine light, or fuel smell.
• If misfire remains, the next common causes are spark plugs, plug gap/condition, or a wiring/connector issue.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$600 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $80-$320 (parts only, depending on 1 coil vs all 4)

You Save: $170-$280+ by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.0 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.