How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2016 Ram 1500 (Fix Misfires & Rough Idle)
Step-by-step coil-on-plug replacement with tools, parts list, safety tips, and 71 in-lb torque spec for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2016 Ram 1500 (Fix Misfires & Rough Idle)
Step-by-step coil-on-plug replacement with tools, parts list, safety tips, and 71 in-lb torque spec for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
🔧 1500 - Ignition Coil Replacement
Your 1500’s ignition coils sit on top of the spark plugs (coil-on-plug). Replacing a bad coil can fix misfires, rough idle, flashing check-engine light, and loss of power.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- 🧯 Let the engine cool completely before starting.
- 🧤 Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental shorts.
- 👓 Keep dirt out of spark plug holes; blow debris away before pulling a coil.
- 🔥 Don’t touch exhaust manifolds/heat shields; they can burn you.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- 1/4" drive ratchet
- 6" extension (1/4" drive)
- Torque wrench (in-lb)
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- Trim clip tool
- Pick tool
- Flashlight
- Shop towels
- Compressed air blow gun
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Ignition coil - Qty: 1 (or Qty: 6 to replace all)
- Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- 🅿️ Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
- 🔋 Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
- 💨 If the area around the coils is dusty, use compressed air blow gun to clean around them first.
- Do one coil at a time to avoid mix-ups.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)
- Grab the cover and pull upward firmly to release it from the grommets.
- Set it aside where it won’t get stepped on.
Step 2: Move the air intake tube/resonator out of the way (for access)
- Loosen the intake clamps using a flat-blade screwdriver.
- Release any intake push-clips using a trim clip tool.
- Lift the intake tube/resonator off and set it aside.
Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector
- Locate the coil you’re replacing.
- Unlock the connector (some have a small red lock) using a pick tool.
- Press the tab and pull the connector straight off.
Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt
- Remove the bolt using a 10mm socket, 6" extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet.
- Put the bolt somewhere safe (they like to disappear).
Step 5: Remove the ignition coil
- Twist the coil slightly to break the seal, then pull straight up.
- If it feels stuck, keep twisting gently—don’t pry hard on plastic parts.
- Blow out the spark plug well using a compressed air blow gun before installing the new coil.
Step 6: Install the new coil
- Apply a thin smear of dielectric grease inside the new coil boot (it helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier).
- Push the new coil straight down until it seats fully on the spark plug.
- Install the hold-down bolt by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
- Tighten with a torque wrench (in-lb): Torque to 71 in-lb (8 Nm).
Step 7: Reconnect the coil connector
- Push the connector on until it clicks.
- If equipped, re-lock the connector using a pick tool.
Step 8: Reinstall the intake parts and engine cover
- Reinstall the intake tube/resonator and tighten clamps using a flat-blade screwdriver.
- Reinstall any clips using a trim clip tool.
- Press the engine cover back onto its grommets.
Step 9: Reconnect the battery
- Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
✅ After Repair
- 🟢 Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes. It should run smooth.
- 🔎 If you had a check-engine light, use a scan tool to clear codes and confirm the misfire does not return.
- 🧪 Take a short test drive and re-check for warning lights.
- If the misfire stays, the spark plug may be next.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $200-$450 (parts + labor, depends on how many coils)
DIY Cost: $35-$300 (parts only, 1 coil to all 6)
You Save: $150-$250+ by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 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.


















