🔧 Altima - Ignition Coil Replacement

The ignition coils sit on top of your engine and create the high-voltage spark that fires each cylinder. Replacing a bad coil can fix misfires, rough running, and flashing check engine lights.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep the key fob away from the car so it can’t power on unexpectedly.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable if you’re worried about shorting connectors.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring; release connector locks first.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3" socket extension
• Torque wrench (inch-pound capable)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Shop rags
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully.
• If disconnecting the battery: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative cable and isolate it so it can’t touch the terminal.
• Take a quick photo before unplugging anything.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Gently pull up on the engine cover to release the mounting grommets, or remove any clips using a trim clip removal tool.
• Set the cover aside where it won’t get stepped on.

Step 2: Locate the ignition coil you’re replacing

• The coils are on top of the engine, one per cylinder, each with an electrical connector.
• If you’re chasing a misfire, replace the coil on the cylinder indicated by your scan tool (example: P0302 = cylinder 2).

Step 3: Unplug the ignition coil electrical connector

• Press the connector lock tab and pull the connector straight back.
• If it’s stubborn, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to gently help lift the lock tab while you pull.
• Never yank the wires.

Step 4: Remove the ignition coil hold-down bolt

• Use a 10mm socket, 3" socket extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the coil’s hold-down bolt.
• Put the bolt somewhere safe so it can’t fall into the engine bay.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil gently left and right to break the seal, then pull it straight up.
• If it’s tight, use needle-nose pliers carefully on the coil body (not the wiring) while pulling upward.
• Use shop rags to keep dirt from falling into the spark plug tube.

Step 6: Install the new ignition coil

• Apply a very small amount of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot of the new coil.
• Push the coil straight down until it fully seats on the spark plug.

Step 7: Reinstall and torque the hold-down bolt

• Start the bolt by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (inch-pound capable) and 10mm socket.
• Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the electrical connector

• Push the connector on until it clicks/locks.
• Gently tug the connector to confirm it’s latched.

Step 9: Reinstall the engine cover

• Press the cover back onto its grommets, or reinstall clips using a trim clip removal tool.

Step 10: Reconnect the battery (if disconnected)

• Use a 10mm socket to reinstall the negative battery cable.
• Make it snug; do not overtighten.

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✅ After Repair

• Start your Altima and let it idle for 1-2 minutes. It should run smoothly.
• If the check engine light was on, clear codes with a scan tool or drive a few cycles if the issue is fixed (some codes clear after multiple good trips).
• Test drive 10-15 minutes and recheck for rough running or a flashing check engine light.
• If the misfire returns, the spark plug for that cylinder may also need replacement.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $160-$310 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.2 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.