🔧 Kicks - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your Kicks uses one ignition coil per cylinder (4 total). A failed coil can cause misfires, rough idle, blinking check-engine light, and poor acceleration—replacing the bad coil(s) restores smooth running.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool fully before starting (hot parts burn).
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental shorts.
• ⚠️ Do not pull on wiring—only unplug connectors by the release tab.
• ⚠️ If the check-engine light is flashing, avoid driving until repaired (can damage the catalytic converter).

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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)
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Trim clip tool
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1-4
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and open the hood.
• Make sure the engine is cool to the touch.
• Disconnect the battery negative terminal using a 10mm socket.
• Dielectric grease is a non-conductive paste that helps prevent moisture in electrical boots.
• A torque wrench measures bolt tightness to avoid stripping.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Grip the cover and pull upward to release it from the rubber grommets.
• If any clips or ducts block access, remove them using a trim clip tool.

Step 2: Locate the ignition coils

• The coils sit on top of the engine valve cover, in a row (one per cylinder).
• Each coil has an electrical connector and a single small retaining bolt.

Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• Press the connector lock tab by hand; if it’s stubborn, gently help with a small flathead screwdriver.
• Pull the connector straight off (do not yank the wires).

Step 4: Remove the coil retaining bolt

• Use a 10mm socket, 3" extension (1/4" drive), and 1/4" drive ratchet 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 to break the seal, then pull straight up by hand.
• If it’s stuck, keep twisting gently—avoid prying hard against the valve cover.

Step 6: Install the new ignition coil

• Apply a very thin film of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot (optional but recommended).
• Push the new coil straight down until it fully seats on the spark plug.
• Install the retaining bolt by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten the retaining bolt with a torque wrench (inch-pound): Torque to 6.9 Nm (61 in-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect the electrical connector

• Push the connector on until it clicks/locks.
• Give it a gentle tug to confirm it’s secured.

Step 8: Repeat for any other coils you’re replacing

• Repeat Steps 3-7 for the remaining cylinders as needed.
• If unsure which coil is bad, replace one at a time.

Step 9: Reinstall the engine cover and reconnect the battery

• Press the engine cover back onto its grommets.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket (snug, do not over-tighten).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes. It should run smooth.
• If the check-engine light stays on, a scan tool may be needed to clear stored misfire codes.
• Take a short test drive and confirm no hesitation under light acceleration.
• Recheck that all coil connectors are fully clicked in if you still feel a misfire.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$550 (parts + labor, depends on 1 coil vs all 4)

DIY Cost: $45-$280 (parts only)

You Save: $135-$270+ by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 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.