How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander (Coil-on-Plug)
Step-by-step coil swap with required tools/parts, safety tips, and 10 Nm (7 ft-lbs) torque spec
How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander (Coil-on-Plug)
Step-by-step coil swap with required tools/parts, safety tips, and 10 Nm (7 ft-lbs) torque spec
🔧 Outlander - Ignition Coil Replacement
Your Outlander uses a coil-on-plug setup (one ignition coil per spark plug). Replacing a bad coil restores smooth running, prevents misfires, and can stop a flashing check-engine light.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Work on a cold engine to avoid burns.
- ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF and keep the key/fob away from the vehicle.
- ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable if you’ll be unplugging multiple connectors (recommended).
- ⚠️ Do not pull on wiring—only on the connector body.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- 1/4" ratchet
- 3" socket extension
- Torque wrench (2-30 Nm range)
- Small flat-blade screwdriver
- Trim clip tool
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Ignition coil - Qty: 1-4 (best practice: replace all four)
- Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Let the engine fully cool.
- If disconnecting the battery: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative battery terminal and isolate it so it can’t spring back.
- Take a quick photo of the coil connectors first.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)
- Pull straight up on the plastic engine cover to release the rubber grommets, or remove any retainers using a trim clip tool.
- Set the cover aside.
Step 2: Unplug the ignition coil electrical connector
- At the top of the coil, press the connector lock tab and pull the connector straight off.
- If it’s stuck, gently help the tab with a small flat-blade screwdriver (do not pry hard).
- Pull the connector body, not the wires.
Step 3: Remove the ignition coil hold-down bolt
- Use a 10mm socket, 3" socket extension, and 1/4" ratchet to remove the coil hold-down bolt.
- Place the bolt somewhere safe so it doesn’t fall into the engine bay.
Step 4: Remove the ignition coil
- Twist the coil slightly left and right to break the seal, then pull straight up to remove it.
- If the rubber boot stays stuck on the spark plug, remove it carefully and reinstall it onto the coil before reassembly.
- A gentle twist helps more than brute force.
Step 5: Install the new ignition coil
- Put a very thin film of dielectric grease inside the end of the coil boot (this helps prevent moisture and eases future removal).
- Align the coil with the spark plug tube and push straight down until it seats fully.
Step 6: Reinstall the hold-down bolt and torque it
- Start the bolt by hand to avoid cross-threading.
- Tighten using a 10mm socket and finish with a torque wrench (2-30 Nm range).
- Torque to 10 Nm (7 ft-lbs)
Step 7: Reconnect the coil connector and repeat for the other cylinders
- Push the connector on until it clicks/locks.
- Repeat Steps 2–6 for any other coils you’re replacing.
Step 8: Reinstall the engine cover and reconnect the battery (if disconnected)
- Reinstall the engine cover by pressing it down onto the grommets.
- If disconnected earlier, reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket and tighten snugly.
✅ After Repair
- Start the engine and let it idle for 30–60 seconds. It should run smooth with no shaking.
- Test drive gently for 10 minutes and verify no check-engine light returns.
- If you had a misfire code, clear codes with a scan tool after the repair (if available).
- If it still misfires, the spark plug on that cylinder may also need service.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $250-$600 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $60-$320 (parts only)
You Save: $190-$280 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 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.

















