🔧 Charger - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your Charger uses one ignition coil per cylinder (8 total). Replacing a bad coil fixes misfires, rough idle, flashing check-engine light, and loss of power by restoring strong spark to the spark plug.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine; coils sit on hot valve covers.
• ⚠️ Disconnecting the battery is recommended to prevent accidental shorts.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring; release the connector lock first.
• ⚠️ If the check-engine light is flashing, avoid driving until repaired.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3" extension (1/4" drive)
• Torque wrench (inch-pound)
• Trim removal tool
• Small pick tool
• Dielectric grease applicator swab
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1 (or Qty: 8 if replacing all)
• Ignition coil boot - Qty: 1 (optional if torn/oil-soaked)
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket and move it aside so it can’t spring back. Negative cable is the “-” terminal.
• If your Charger has an engine cover, plan to remove it first (it pulls upward from rubber grommets).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Grip the cover with both hands and pull straight up to pop it off the grommets.
• If it feels stuck, use a trim removal tool to gently pry upward at a corner.

Step 2: Locate the coil you’re replacing

• The coils sit on top of the valve covers—one per cylinder—with an electrical connector and a single hold-down bolt.
• Tip: Replace one coil at a time to avoid mix-ups.

Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• Use a small pick tool to slide the connector lock (the small colored safety tab) to the “unlock” position. This lock prevents accidental unplugging.
• Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off the coil.
• If it’s tight, use a trim removal tool to gently help it—don’t pry on the wires.

Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt

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

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil slightly left/right, then pull straight up to release the boot from the spark plug.
• If it feels stuck, keep twisting gently—don’t use excessive force.

Step 6: Prep and install the new coil

• Check the coil boot for tears, swelling, or oil soaking; replace the boot if needed.
• Apply a light smear of dielectric grease inside the tip of the boot using a dielectric grease applicator swab. Dielectric grease helps seal out moisture.
• Push the coil straight down onto the spark plug until it fully seats.

Step 7: Reinstall and torque the coil bolt

• Thread the bolt in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (inch-pound) to tighten the bolt: Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the coil connector

• Push the connector onto the coil until it clicks.
• Use your fingers (or a small pick tool carefully) to slide the lock back to the “locked” position.

Step 9: Reinstall the engine cover and reconnect the battery

• Press the engine cover back onto the grommets until fully seated.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket and snug it firmly.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes; listen for smooth idle.
• If the check-engine light was on, it may take a few drive cycles to turn off; clearing codes with a scan tool is faster.
• Test drive gently, then recheck that the coil connector is fully locked and nothing is loose.
• If you find oil inside a coil boot, the valve cover gasket may be leaking and should be addressed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $40-$400 (parts only, depending on 1 coil vs all 8)

You Save: $150-$300+ by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.5 hours.

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🎯 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.