How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade (Front & Rear Bank) (Engine: V6 3.8L)
Step-by-step DIY instructions with tools, parts, intake manifold removal tips, and torque specs
How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade (Front & Rear Bank) (Engine: V6 3.8L)
Step-by-step DIY instructions with tools, parts, intake manifold removal tips, and torque specs for 2020, 2021
🔧 Palisade - Ignition Coil Replacement
Your Palisade has one ignition coil per cylinder (6 total). The front-bank coils are straightforward to reach; the rear-bank coils sit against the firewall and typically require removing the upper intake manifold to access them.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-3.0 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
- ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental shorts.
- ⚠️ If removing the upper intake manifold, keep dirt out of the intake ports (cover openings with clean shop towels).
- ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring; release connector locks before unplugging.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- 12mm socket
- 1/4" ratchet
- 3/8" ratchet
- 3" socket extension
- 6" socket extension
- Torque wrench (inch-pound or low-range Nm)
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- Trim clip removal tool
- Needle-nose pliers
- Shop towels
- Masking tape and marker
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Ignition coil - Qty: 1-6
- Upper intake manifold gasket set - Qty: 1 (needed if rear-bank access requires manifold removal)
- Throttle body gasket - Qty: 1 (recommended if throttle body is removed)
- Dielectric grease - Qty: 1 (optional)
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
- Open the hood and let the engine cool fully.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket and move the cable aside so it can’t spring back.
- Decide your access path: front-bank coils can be done without manifold removal; rear-bank coils typically require upper intake manifold removal.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Remove the engine appearance cover
- Pull up firmly on the engine cover to release the rubber grommets (use a trim clip removal tool if it’s stubborn).
- Set the cover aside.
Step 2: Gain access to the coils (front bank)
- Loosen the intake duct clamps using a flat-blade screwdriver.
- Disconnect any small breather/PCV hoses carefully using needle-nose pliers if clamps are tight.
- Move the ducting out of the way to clearly see the front-bank coils.
Step 3: If you need rear-bank coils, remove the upper intake manifold (rear bank access)
- Label connectors and hoses with masking tape and marker so they go back to the same place.
- Disconnect electrical connectors in the way (release the lock tab before pulling).
- Remove fasteners and brackets as needed using a 10mm socket and 12mm socket.
- Remove the upper intake manifold mounting bolts using a 12mm socket and socket extension.
- Lift the upper intake manifold off carefully and set it on a clean surface.
- Immediately cover exposed intake openings with shop towels.
- Plan to install new upper intake manifold gaskets during reassembly.
Step 4: Unplug the ignition coil connector
- Press the connector lock and pull the connector straight off the coil.
- If the lock is stubborn, use a flat-blade screwdriver gently—don’t break the plastic.
Step 5: Remove the ignition coil
- Remove the coil hold-down bolt using a 10mm socket.
- Twist the coil slightly, then pull it straight up to unseat the boot from the spark plug.
- Tip: Don’t pry on the valve cover.
Step 6: Install the new ignition coil
- If you’re using it, apply a tiny smear of dielectric grease inside the coil boot (it helps prevent moisture/corrosion; don’t pack it full).
- Push the new coil straight down until you feel it seat onto the spark plug.
- Install the hold-down bolt by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
- Tighten the coil bolt using a torque wrench (a torque wrench measures bolt tightness accurately): Torque to 9.8 Nm (87 in-lbs).
- Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
Step 7: Reassemble (rear bank, if removed)
- Remove the shop towels from the intake openings.
- Install new upper intake manifold gaskets in their grooves.
- Set the upper intake manifold in place evenly (don’t pinch wiring/hoses).
- Thread manifold bolts in by hand, then tighten evenly in a crisscross pattern using a 12mm socket.
- If your Palisade’s fasteners are the common M8 manifold bolts: Torque to 23-25 Nm (17-18 ft-lbs).
- Reconnect all labeled hoses/connectors and reinstall brackets using a 10mm socket and 12mm socket.
Step 8: Reinstall intake ducting and engine cover
- Reinstall the intake ducting and tighten clamps using a flat-blade screwdriver.
- Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the grommets and pressing down firmly.
Step 9: Reconnect the battery
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket and snug it securely.
✅ After Repair
- Start the engine and listen for a smooth idle (no shaking/misfire).
- Check that no warning lights appear after a short drive.
- If you had a misfire before, clear codes with a scan tool and confirm the misfire does not return.
- Recheck that all intake clamps and hoses are secure (no hissing/air leak sound).
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $250-$900 (parts + labor, depends on how many coils and rear-bank access)
DIY Cost: $50-$480 (parts only, 1-6 coils + gaskets if needed)
You Save: $200-$420+ by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-3 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.
Guide for Direct Ignition Coil replace for these Hyundai vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Palisade | - | V6 3.8L | - |
| 2020 Hyundai Palisade | - | V6 3.8L | - |
















