The ignition coils are a type of transformer, utilized to provide enough power to the spark plug so that a spark can be formed to start the engine. The air-fuel mixture is ignited in the combustion chamber by the ignition spark. An ignition voltage of approximately 30,000 Volt is required for the spark plug to produce the spark. The ignition coil generates this voltage from the vehicle’s electrical system which is 12 volts, and converts this low-voltage electrical energy from the car battery to high voltage, stores it for a moment, and then sends it to the spark plug as a high voltage current pulse.
In this article:
1. How Much Does Ignition Coil Replacement Cost?
- How Much Does it Cost to Replace Spark Plugs and Coils?
2. How Do Ignition Coils Fail?
- Damaged or Worn Spark Plugs
- Vibrations
- Overheating
- Wear And Tear
3. How To Replace An Ignition Coil?
- Step 1: Disconnect The Battery
- Step 2: Locate The Ignition Coils
- Step 3: Disconnect And Remove The Old Ignition Coil
- Step 4: Install The New Ignition Coil
- Step 5: Reconnect The Battery
- Step 6: Test The New Coil
4. Tips To Remember While Replacing Ignition Coil?
5. FAQs
1 How Much Does Ignition Coil Replacement Cost?
The ignition coils need to be replaced once you’ve confirmed that they’re not working properly. The price range for ignition coils varies from $CAD 20 to $CAD 844 on the PartsAvatar website. However, depending on the vehicle model and brand you can buy a brand new ignition coil from our website, based on your budget and requirement.
| Models | Labour Cost | Dealership Cost (Excluding Labour) | PartsAvatar Cost For A Vehicle Manufactured In 2010 (Excluding Labour) | PartsAvatar Cost for a vehicle manufactured in 2020 (Excluding Labour) |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | $46 | $98 and $145 | $41.22 – $644.46 | CAD$ 66.82 – CAD$ 142.35 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $46 | $100 and $147 | $41.22 – $644.46 | CAD$ 67.61 – CAD$ 142.35 |
| Dodge Ram 1500 | $36 | $97 and $111 | $24.15 – $238.77 | CAD$ 27.03 – CAD$ 96.68 |
| Ford F150 | $48 | $163 and $228 | $20.79 – $740.22 | CAD$ 58.08 – CAD$ 144.95 |
| Toyota Corolla | $41 | $211 and $251 | $45.17 – $105.27 | CAD$ 123.90 – CAD$ 157.48 |
| Ford Escape | $31 | $64 and $95 | $39.28 – $135.10 | CAD$ 133.80 |
| Honda Civic | $35 | $82 and $132 | $49.46 – $365.09 | CAD$ 43.08 – CAD$ 102.42 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $47 | $120 and $153 | $67.00 – $139.12 | CAD$ 50.23 – CAD$ 205.99 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | $40 | $249 and $341 | $60.41 – $102.97 | CAD$ 60.41 – CAD$ 479.51 |
| Dodge Charger | $87 | $50 and $53 | $26.11 – $145.76 | CAD$ 26.11 – CAD$ 145.76 |
| Chevrolet Impala | $53 | $143 and $204 | $102.38 – $157.23 | CAD$ 71.89 – CAD$ 303.43 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | $34 | $87 and $100 | $43.29 – $157.23 | CAD$ 71.89 – CAD$ 303.43 |
| Ford Fusion | $27 | $67 and $94 | $39.28 -$140.12 | CAD$ 36.91 – CAD$ 122.72 |
The product prices may also vary based on the manufacturer, because, different aftermarket manufacturers provide various discounts or warranties on their products. Hence, you can select a brand based on personal choice and requirements. Below is a list of price distribution for some key brands.
| Brand | Price |
| BLUE STREAK (HYGRADE MOTOR) | CAD$ 25.47 – CAD$ 517.90 |
| DELPHI | CAD$ 27.85 – CAD$ 330.34 |
| SPECTRA PREMIUM INDUSTRIES | CAD$ 13.54 – CAD$ 479.51 |
| NGK | CAD$ 35.37 – CAD$ 282.47 |
| STANDARD/T-SERIES | CAD$ 19.06 – CAD$ 311.54 |
| DENSO | CAD$ 30.05 – CAD$ 209.39 |
| STANDARD – PRO SERIES | CAD$ 26.45 – CAD$ 268.37 |
| HITACHI | CAD$ 38.03 – CAD$ 213.31 |
| WALKER PRODUCTS | CAD$ 19.84 – CAD$ 216.64 |
| BOSCH | CAD$ 32.09 – CAD$ 224.24 |
| BECK/ARNLE | CAD$ 38.17 – CAD$ 296.48 |
| MSD IGNITION | CAD$ 37.15 – CAD$ 803.00 |
| MOTORCRAFT | CAD$ 31.47 – CAD$ 340.98 |
| KARLYN STI | CAD$ 29.16 – CAD$ 140.98 |
| ENCORE AUTOMOTIVE | CAD$ 65.87 – CAD$ 288.77 |
How Much Does it Cost to Replace Spark Plugs and Coils?
The cost of replacing spark plugs and ignition coils varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. According to Fixd, the average cost to replace spark plugs is $66-$250 depending on whether you go to a mechanic or do it yourself. The cost to replace ignition coils can range from $60 to $300 depending on the type of system.
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2 How Do Ignition Coils Fail?
Ignition coils are prone to failure due to faulty spark plugs or wires. Your ignition coils may fail too soon if your vehicle’s fuel-to-oxygen combination is either rich or lean. Ignition coils can also be damaged by engine heat and vibrations. Some of the common causes of the ignition coil failure are listed below:
Damaged or Worn Spark Plugs
When spark plugs wear out, ignition coils are forced to work at a considerably higher output. Maintaining good condition of your spark plug helps lessen the chances of an ignition coil failure.
The gap between the spark plug is enlarged when the spark plugs wear down, requiring the coil to generate a larger voltage to bridge the gap. The space between the grounding electrode and the centre electrode of a spark plug is referred to as the spark plug gap. The voltage required to ignite the air, however, increases with the size of the gap. This adds strain on the ignition coil causing voltage overload, eventually leading to overheating and then failure.
Vibrations
An ignition coil is made up of two coils of copper wire known as the primary and the secondary windings which surround a laminated iron core. A running engine creates many vibrations that produce fatigue and may cause shorts or breakage in the secondary windings by damaging the ignition coil windings and insulation.
Overheating
When the resistance in the spark plugs and wires is substantially lower than expected, then due to the high current going through it, the ignition coil experiences voltage/current overload and overheats.
Wear And Tear
Ignition coil failure is frequently caused by wear and tear of the primary and secondary coils. This failure causes the insulation between the primary and secondary coil windings, as well as leads to deterioration of the primary coil. The coil may overheat due to the loss of insulation.
3 How To Replace An Ignition Coil?
Replacing the ignition coil is a relatively simple and inexpensive process. One or more cylinders may misfire when an ignition fails, causing driveability concerns. The stressful sluggish nature of a malfunctioning coil can be rectified with minimum expense and in a short amount of time by following the simple steps using some simple tools and materials mentioned below:
Tools Needed:
- Replacement ignition coil
- Screwdrivers
- Service manual specific to your vehicle
- Socket set and ratchet
- Wrenches
Step 1: Disconnect The Battery
To turn off the vehicle’s electricity, disconnect the negative battery cable. Disconnect the clamp bolt holding the cable to the termination with a socket or tool.
Step 2: Locate The Ignition Coils
Locate the ignition coils on top of the engine. They will be attached to the engine block or surrounding components.
Step 3: Disconnect And Remove The Old Ignition Coil
The nuts or screws that secure the ignition coil to the car must be removed. You’ll also need to unplug the coil’s electrical contacts. Depending on your make and model, determine which connection needs to be disconnected first. On certain vehicles, the electrical connections must be unscrewed or unplugged first, while on others, the unit must be unbolted before the electrical contacts can be disconnected. To find the right technique for your vehicle, consult your vehicle’s service handbook.
Step 4: Install The New Ignition Coil
Install the new ignition coil in the opposite sequence as the old one was disconnected. After tightening the mounting bolts or screws, reattach the electrical connectors if you already disconnected them beforehand.
Step 5: Reconnect The Battery
To restore electricity to the vehicle, reconnect the negative battery connector to the car battery. Tighten the electrical connection by hand, then tighten the terminal bolt using a socket or tool.
Step 6: Test The New Coil
To test the new ignition coil, start the engine while the vehicle is still parked. You can then test drive the vehicle if it starts and idles normally.
4 Tips To Remember While Replacing Ignition Coil?
While replacing your ignition coil, it is important to take care of some vital points to ensure proper installation of the ignition coil:
- Always ensure that the battery is disconnected whenever working with any kind of electrical system of the vehicle.
- Many electrical connections must be removed from ignition coils that run through multiple plugs from a single coil. For reassembly, carefully mark or identify these connectors to ensure the correct reconnection of the wires to the connectors on the new coil.
- Bolts should never be overtightened as this could result in damage, and ignition coil replacements are often difficult. Tighten the bolts just enough to prevent them from loosening due to engine vibration.
5 FAQs
How Much Does a Coil Pack Cost?
The cost of replacing an ignition coil depends on the vehicle, the labor, and the type of coil. A coil-on-plug design is the most common and can cost between $35 and $300 each, while a distributor-less design is more expensive. If you have a faulty coil, it’s going to cost you between $200 and $300 on average to replace it.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix an Ignition?
The cost of fixing an ignition varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the specific issue. The cost of replacing an ignition switch ranges between $25 and $40 for an aftermarket switch, with no programming required. If a lock cylinder is needed, it would cost $150 in labor and a full ignition switch assembly (housing, switch, lock cylinder and new keys) would range between $150 and $225. The cost to replace an ignition coil can range from $60 to $300 depending on the type of system.
