How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2016 Toyota Prius V
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips
How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2016 Toyota Prius V
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips
🔧 Prius V - Ignition Coil Replacement
The ignition coils sit on top of the engine and fire each spark plug. Replacing a bad coil can fix misfires, rough idle, flashing check engine light, and poor fuel economy.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hour
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- The hybrid system still has high voltage elsewhere in the vehicle, but the ignition coils are on the 12V engine side only.
- Make sure the car is fully OFF and the key/fob is away from the vehicle.
- Let the engine cool down before starting. Coils and the valve cover area can get hot.
- Disconnect the negative 12V battery terminal if you want extra safety and to reduce the chance of setting a fault code while unplugging connectors.
- Do not force the coil connectors. The plastic tabs can break easily.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- 1/4-inch ratchet
- 1/4-inch extension
- Torque wrench (inch-pound)
- Small flat trim tool
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Ignition coil - Qty: 4
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Turn the vehicle fully OFF.
- Open the hood and let the engine cool if it was recently running.
- If you disconnect the 12V battery, save radio and window settings first.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Remove the engine cover
- Use your hands to lift the plastic engine cover straight up and off.
- Set it aside in a safe place.
Step 2: Disconnect the ignition coil connector
- Find the coil you want to replace on top of the engine.
- Use a small flat trim tool to gently release the connector tab if needed.
- Pull the connector straight off the coil.
- Do not pull on the wires.
Step 3: Remove the coil hold-down bolt
- Use a 10mm socket and 1/4-inch ratchet to remove the coil retaining bolt.
- Keep the bolt in a safe place.
- Torque on installation: 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs)
Step 4: Remove the ignition coil
- Twist the coil slightly by hand to break it loose.
- Pull the coil straight up and out of the spark plug tube.
- If it sticks, use a gentle side-to-side motion. Do not pry hard.
Step 5: Install the new ignition coil
- Compare the new coil to the old one before installing.
- Push the new coil straight down into place until fully seated.
- Install the 10mm hold-down bolt by hand first.
- Use the 10mm socket and torque wrench (inch-pound) to tighten it to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs).
Step 6: Reconnect the electrical connector
- Push the connector onto the new coil until it clicks.
- Gently tug once to make sure it is locked.
Step 7: Reinstall the engine cover
- Set the cover back in place.
- Press down evenly until it snaps into position.
✅ After Repair
- Start the vehicle and let it idle.
- Make sure the check engine light is off.
- If the misfire was caused by a bad coil, the engine should run smoother right away.
- If the light stays on, clear codes with a scan tool and recheck for other misfire causes like spark plugs or wiring.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $280-$520 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $120-$280 (parts only)
You Save: $160-$240 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.
🎯 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.

















