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2018 Hyundai Elantra
2017 - 2020 Hyundai Elantra
Inline 4 2.0L

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How to Replace Performance Ignition Coils 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra

How to Replace Performance Ignition Coils 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra

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Tools & Fluids

10mm
10mm
Socket
or (3/8")
1/4
1/4
Ratchet
6"
6"
Extension
1/4
1/4
Torque Wrench
Wire Brush
Wire Brush
Nylon
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How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra (Engine: Inline 4 2.0L)

Step-by-step DIY instructions with required tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra (Engine: Inline 4 2.0L)

Step-by-step DIY instructions with required tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

Orion
Orion

🔧 Elantra - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your Elantra uses one ignition coil above each spark plug. Replacing a failed coil can correct an engine misfire, rough idle, weak acceleration, or flashing check-engine light.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hour


⚠️ Safety & Precautions

  • ⚠️ Let the engine cool completely before touching the ignition coils.
  • ⚡ Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging the coils.
  • 🛑 Never start or crank the engine while an ignition coil is removed.
  • 🔌 Pull electrical connectors by their housings, never by their wires.
  • 🚨 Do not drive if the check-engine light is flashing; an active misfire can damage the catalytic converter.

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

  • 10mm socket
  • 1/4-inch-drive ratchet
  • 1/4-inch-drive 6-inch extension
  • 1/4-inch-drive torque wrench rated 2-20 Nm
  • Soft nylon detailing brush
  • Safety glasses
  • Nitrile mechanic gloves

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

  • Direct-fit ignition coils - Qty: 4

Replace only the diagnosed failed coil if desired. If replacing multiple old coils as preventive maintenance, install all four matching coils.


📋 Before You Begin

  • 🅿️ Park your Elantra on level ground, select neutral, apply the parking brake, and switch the ignition off.
  • ❄️ Open the hood and wait until the engine is cool.
  • 📻 Save any desired radio presets before disconnecting the battery.
  • 🔑 Keep the ignition key away from the vehicle while the connectors are unplugged.
  • 🔢 If replacing fewer than four coils, identify the failed cylinder before removal so good coils are not replaced unnecessarily.

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

  • Use the 10mm socket, extension, and ratchet to loosen the negative battery-terminal clamp.
  • Use nitrile mechanic gloves to lift the clamp from the negative terminal and position it where it cannot spring back.
  • Wait at least one minute before touching the ignition-coil connectors.

Step 2: Remove the Engine Cover

  • Use nitrile mechanic gloves to grip the plastic engine cover at its corners.
  • Pull straight upward to release the cover from its rubber mounting grommets.
  • Do not use a screwdriver or pry against the valve cover.
  • Rock each corner gently while lifting.

Step 3: Clean Around the Coils

  • Wear safety glasses and use the soft nylon detailing brush to move loose dirt away from the four coil openings.
  • Do not push debris into the spark-plug wells—the deep openings surrounding the spark plugs.

Step 4: Unplug the Ignition Coils

  • Use nitrile mechanic gloves to press each electrical connector’s release tab.
  • Pull the connector straight backward by its plastic housing.
  • Repeat for each coil being replaced. Do not pull on the wiring.
  • Push inward first if a connector sticks.

Step 5: Remove the Coil Bolts

  • Use the 10mm socket, extension, and ratchet to remove the single retaining bolt from each selected ignition coil.
  • Keep the bolts clean and place them where they cannot fall into the engine compartment.

Step 6: Remove the Old Coils

  • Use nitrile mechanic gloves to rotate each coil slightly left and right.
  • Pull the coil straight upward out of its spark-plug well.
  • Inspect the rubber boot for oil, coolant, cracking, or burn marks. Fluid inside a well indicates another leak that should be repaired.

Step 7: Install the New Coils

  • Use nitrile mechanic gloves to lower each new direct-fit coil squarely over its spark plug.
  • Press down firmly until the rubber boot seats completely over the spark-plug terminal.
  • Align the coil’s mounting hole with the threaded hole in the valve cover.
  • Do not apply grease unless the coil manufacturer specifically supplies or requires it.

Step 8: Tighten the Coil Bolts

  • Use gloved fingers to start each retaining bolt several turns. This prevents cross-threading.
  • Use the 10mm socket, extension, and torque wrench to tighten each bolt to 9.8-11.8 Nm (7.2-8.7 ft-lbs).
  • Do not overtighten the bolts; the mounting area can be damaged.

Step 9: Reconnect the Coil Connectors

  • Use nitrile mechanic gloves to push each electrical connector straight onto its coil.
  • Confirm that every connector clicks and locks securely.
  • Gently tug each connector housing to verify that it is latched.

Step 10: Reinstall the Engine Cover

  • Use nitrile mechanic gloves to align the engine-cover mounting points with their rubber grommets.
  • Press directly downward over each mounting point until the cover is fully seated.

Step 11: Reconnect the Battery

  • Use nitrile mechanic gloves to place the negative clamp fully onto the battery terminal.
  • Use the 10mm socket, extension, and torque wrench to tighten the negative battery-terminal clamp to 4-6 Nm (35-53 in-lbs).
  • Do not overtighten or twist the battery terminal.

✅ After Repair

  • 🚗 Start the engine and let it idle for several minutes. It should run evenly without shaking.
  • 👂 Listen for snapping or ticking near the coils, which can indicate a loose connector or improperly seated coil.
  • 🔍 Confirm that the check-engine light is not flashing.
  • 🛣️ Take a short, gentle test drive and check that acceleration is smooth.
  • 💡 A stored misfire code may remain after the repair and can require several successful trips to clear automatically. A compatible scan tool can clear it immediately after confirming the repair.
  • 📻 Restore the clock and radio presets if they were reset.

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹12,000-₹25,000 for four coils, parts and labor

DIY Cost: ₹9,000-₹20,000 for four coils

You Save: ₹3,000-₹5,000 by doing it yourself!

Local labor and parts prices in Sonīpat vary. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.


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