How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2013 Toyota Corolla
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, safety tips, and torque specs for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2013 Toyota Corolla
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, safety tips, and torque specs for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
🔧 Corolla - Ignition Coil Replacement
Replacing the ignition coils restores spark delivery and can fix misfires, rough idle, hesitation, and flashing check-engine lights. On your Corolla, the coils sit on top of the spark plugs, so access is straightforward and the job is usually quick.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hour
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Let the engine cool completely before starting.
- Turn the ignition off and remove the key.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm wrench before unplugging coils.
- Do not pull on the coil wiring harness; use the connector tab.
- Keep dirt and oil out of the spark plug wells.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- Ratchet
- Short extension
- 10mm wrench
- Trim clip tool
- Torque wrench
- Dielectric grease
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Ignition coil set - Qty: 4
- Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Let the engine cool fully.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable before touching the ignition coils.
- Work on one coil at a time so the connectors do not get mixed up.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Disconnect battery power
- Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the negative battery terminal.
- Remove the cable and set it aside so it cannot spring back.
Step 2: Remove the engine cover
- If equipped, pull up on the engine cover by hand to release it from its rubber mounts.
- Set it aside in a clean area.
Step 3: Disconnect each ignition coil
- Use your fingers to press the locking tab on each coil connector.
- Pull the connector straight off the coil.
- Do not pry the connector sideways.
Step 4: Remove the ignition coils
- Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and short extension to remove the coil hold-down bolts.
- Lift each coil straight up out of the spark plug well.
- If a coil sticks, twist it gently while pulling upward.
Step 5: Install the new ignition coils
- Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside each coil boot.
- Push each new coil straight down onto the spark plug until fully seated.
- Install the hold-down bolts by hand first, then tighten with a torque wrench.
- Torque to 8 Nm (71 ft-lbs).
Step 6: Reconnect the wiring
- Push each connector onto its coil until it clicks.
- Lightly tug each connector to make sure it is locked in place.
Step 7: Reinstall the engine cover and battery cable
- Press the engine cover back onto its mounts.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm wrench.
- Tighten snugly, but do not overtighten.
✅ After Repair
- Start the engine and listen for smooth idle.
- Check that the check-engine light is off.
- If the light was on before the repair, clear codes with a scan tool.
- If the engine still misfires, the spark plugs may also need replacement.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $220-$480 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $80-$220 (parts only)
You Save: $140-$260 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.
🎯 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.


















