🔧 Trax - Ignition Coil Assembly Replacement

Your Trax uses one ignition-coil assembly that operates all four spark plugs. Replacement involves removing the engine cover, disconnecting the electrical connector, and lifting the assembly from the spark-plug wells.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool completely before touching the ignition components.
• ⚡ Keep the ignition switched off whenever the coil connector is disconnected.
• 🧤 Pull the coil assembly straight upward so the rubber boots are not torn.
• 🔋 Disconnecting the negative battery cable is recommended. This may reset the clock and some saved settings.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4-inch drive ratchet
• Torx T30 socket
• 1/4-inch drive inch-pound torque wrench
• Plastic trim-removal tool
• Compressed-air blow gun with regulated air supply
• Mechanic's gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil assembly with four coil boots - Qty: 1
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1 small tube

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🚗 Park your Trax on level ground, select Park, apply the parking brake, and switch off the ignition.
• 🌡️ Open the hood and allow the engine to become completely cool.
• 🔋 Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to loosen the negative battery-terminal nut. Remove the cable and position it where it cannot touch the terminal.
• 📱 No scan-tool command, programming, or infotainment service mode is required for this repair.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the Engine Cover

• 🛠️ Use your hands to grasp the engine cover near its mounting points.
• Pull straight upward to release the cover from its rubber mounting grommets.
• If a grommet holds the cover, use a plastic trim-removal tool gently. Do not pry against wiring or plastic engine fittings.
• Set the cover aside in a clean location.

Step 2: Clean Around the Coil Assembly

• 🧹 Put on safety glasses and use a compressed-air blow gun to remove loose dirt around the coil assembly.
• Keep the air pressure regulated and direct debris away from your face.
• This prevents dirt from entering the spark-plug wells after the assembly is lifted.

Step 3: Disconnect the Coil Electrical Connector

• 🔌 Locate the electrical connector at the end of the ignition-coil assembly.
• Use your fingers to release the connector lock. If needed, use the plastic trim-removal tool gently on the locking tab.
• Pull on the connector body, not the wires.
• Never force a connector that is still locked.

Step 4: Remove the Coil Fasteners

• 🔩 Use a Torx T30 socket and 1/4-inch drive ratchet to remove the coil-assembly retaining bolts.
• Place the bolts in a clean container so they cannot fall into the engine compartment.

Step 5: Remove the Ignition Coil Assembly

• ⬆️ Grasp both ends of the coil assembly with your hands.
• Rock it very slightly while pulling straight upward. The rubber boots may resist because they seal around the spark plugs.
• Do not use a screwdriver as a lever. The plastic assembly and nearby valve cover can crack.
• Inspect the spark-plug wells for engine oil, water, or corrosion. Oil in a well can indicate a leaking valve-cover seal that should be repaired before installing the new coil.

Step 6: Prepare the New Coil Assembly

• 🧴 Confirm that all four rubber boots and their internal springs are installed on the new assembly.
• Apply a very small amount of dielectric grease inside the opening at the end of each rubber boot. Dielectric grease is an insulating silicone grease that helps keep moisture out.
• Do not pack the boots with grease or apply grease to the electrical connector terminals.

Step 7: Install the New Coil Assembly

• 📍 Align all four boots directly over the spark plugs.
• Press down evenly with both hands until every boot is fully seated.
• Make sure the assembly lies flat against its mounting surface. Do not use the bolts to pull an unseated coil into place.

Step 8: Tighten the Coil Fasteners

• 🔧 Start each retaining bolt by hand to prevent crossed threads.
• Use a Torx T30 socket and inch-pound torque wrench to tighten the retaining bolts evenly.
• Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).
• Stop tightening as soon as the wrench clicks.

Step 9: Reconnect the Electrical Connector

• 🔌 Push the coil electrical connector into place by hand until its lock clicks.
• Pull lightly on the connector body to verify that it is locked.

Step 10: Reinstall the Engine Cover

• 🛠️ Align the engine-cover mounting points with their rubber grommets.
• Press downward by hand directly over each mounting point until the cover is secure.
• Check that no wire or hose is trapped beneath the cover.

Step 11: Reconnect the Battery

• 🔋 Place the negative battery cable fully onto its terminal.
• Use a 10mm socket and 1/4-inch drive ratchet to tighten the terminal nut snugly.
• Do not overtighten or twist the battery terminal.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine and let it idle for several minutes. It should run smoothly without shaking or misfiring.
• 👂 Listen for snapping or ticking near the coil assembly, which can indicate an improperly seated boot.
• 🚨 Verify that the check-engine light does not flash. A flashing light indicates an active misfire; shut the engine off immediately.
• 🛣️ Take a short, gentle test drive and confirm smooth acceleration.
• 🕒 Restore the clock and saved settings if they were reset by the battery disconnect.
• 🔍 If a misfire code remains, further diagnosis of the spark plugs, wiring, fuel injector, or engine compression may be necessary.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $280-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $60-$330 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.

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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.