How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2016 Toyota Tundra
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips
How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2016 Toyota Tundra
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips
🔧 Tundra - Ignition Coil Replacement
Replacing the ignition coils restores spark quality and can fix rough running, misfires, hard starts, and check engine lights. On your Tundra, the coils sit on top of the valve covers, so this is a straightforward repair with basic hand tools.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Let the engine cool fully before starting. Coils sit near hot engine parts.
- Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal before unplugging coils.
- Keep dirt out of the spark plug wells. Debris can damage the plugs or cylinders.
- Do not pull on the wire harness. Release each connector lock first.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- 1/4-inch ratchet
- 1/4-inch extension
- Torque wrench
- Trim clip removal tool
- Needle-nose pliers
- Dielectric grease
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Ignition coil set - Qty: 8
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
- Let the engine cool completely.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal before removing any coils.
- If only one cylinder had a misfire, many owners still replace coils in sets when one has failed.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Disconnect battery power
- Use a 10mm socket to loosen the negative battery terminal.
- Remove the negative cable and set it aside so it cannot spring back onto the post.
- Keep the cable away from the battery.
Step 2: Remove the engine cover
- Lift off the plastic engine cover by hand.
- If it feels stuck, gently wiggle it upward.
Step 3: Access the ignition coils
- The coils are mounted on top of the valve covers, one per cylinder.
- Clear away any hoses or wiring clips blocking access.
Step 4: Unplug each ignition coil
- Press the connector lock tab and unplug the electrical connector from each coil.
- Use needle-nose pliers only if a connector clip is tight, and be gentle.
- Do not yank on the wires.
Step 5: Remove the coil hold-down bolts
- Use a 10mm socket with a 1/4-inch ratchet and extension to remove each coil bolt.
- Keep the bolts organized by location.
Step 6: Remove the ignition coils
- Twist each coil gently, then pull it straight up out of the spark plug tube.
- If a coil is stuck, wiggle it slowly instead of forcing it.
Step 7: Install the new ignition coils
- Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside each coil boot.
- Push each new coil straight down onto its spark plug until fully seated.
- Reinstall the hold-down bolt by hand first, then tighten it with a 10mm socket.
- Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).
Step 8: Reconnect the electrical connectors
- Plug each connector into the matching coil until it clicks.
- Make sure each lock tab is fully seated.
Step 9: Reinstall the engine cover and battery cable
- Snap the engine cover back into place.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal with a 10mm socket and tighten it snugly.
✅ After Repair
- Start the engine and listen for smooth idle.
- Check that the check engine light is off.
- If a misfire code was stored, clear it with a scan tool.
- Test drive the vehicle and watch for hesitation or flashing warning lights.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $650-$1,200 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $200-$450 (parts only)
You Save: $450-$750 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 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.

















