The general price for an ignition coil replacement is between $200 and $260 but can vary from car to car.
The cost of replacing an ignition coil will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Ignition coils typically need to be replaced every 70,000 miles or five years.
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What Is an Ignition Coil?
An ignition coil is a converter that steps up the voltage of your car’s battery to the level needed to create a spark at the spark plugs.
This spark ignites the fuel in the cylinder, making the engine run. The ignition coil is a required part of your car’s ignition system.
How Much Does an Ignition Coil Replacement Cost?
Let’s talk about the ignition coil replacement cost. As we mentioned before, the price varies and depends on the car you drive and the mechanic performing the repair.
Ignition Coil Parts Price
The ignition coil is a small piece that plays a significant role, and the price reflects that. On average, ignition coil replacement costs between $200 to $260.
The price varies and also depends on how many cylinders your car has.
For example, if you drive a four-cylinder car, you will need four ignition coils. However, depending on the vehicle, you may only need two ignition coils.
The ignition coil unit sits on top of the spark plug, so each cylinder works with either one or two spark plugs simultaneously.
Ignition Coil Labor Price
Labor is something else to consider when replacing an ignition coil. If you take your vehicle to a mechanic, they will charge you for the ignition coil and the labor to replace it.
The good news is that labor is usually cheaper than the actual part.
On average, mechanics charge between $60 to $120 per hour. However, replacing an ignition coil should only take one to two hours. Therefore, you can avoid labor costs by performing the repair yourself.
Average Cost To Replace Four Ignition Coils
Altogether, a car’s average cost to replace four ignition coils is $300. This price includes the cost of the coils as well as labor. If you have a V6 or V8 cylinder engine, you will need more coils, and the cost will be higher.
How Long Does an Ignition Coil Replacement Take?
The amount of time for an ignition coil replacement varies. It depends on the mechanic and how many coils are needed. If the coils sit in a difficult spot, it will take longer to replace them.
Also, if the car is an older model, components may stick, making it harder to remove the ignition coil insulator boots from the spark plug.
In most cases, replacing all the coils should take one to two hours. However, the installation can take as little as 30 minutes in a simple setup without any sticky parts.
Are Ignition Coils Interchangeable?
Yes, in most cases, ignition coils are interchangeable. However, it is always good to check with your mechanic or car’s manufacturer to be sure.
You will know if you install the wrong ignition coils on your vehicle. Your car will likely show the following symptoms, in which case you should take your vehicle to a mechanic.
Loss of Power
You’ll notice a loss in power when you step on the gas, because the ignition coils are not providing enough spark to ignite the fuel in the cylinders. As a result, the car will run less efficiently.
Rough Idle
Another symptom of bad ignition coils is a rough idle. The engine will shake and vibrate more than usual.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light will show up if the ignition coils are not working correctly, alerting you that imbalances need analyzing to prevent further issues.
Backfiring
Backfiring is another symptom of bad ignition coils. It will backfire when the air and fuel mixture combusts incorrectly or does not produce enough power.
Jerking or Vibrating
If the spark plugs and ignition coils are installed incorrectly, your car will jerk or vibrate. If you notice this or anything similar, it’s time to take a second look at the ignition coil replacement performed, as it may be the root cause.
How Long Do Coil Packs Last?
Coil packs can last anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles or up to five years. However, this is just an estimate. The lifespan of a coil pack depends on several factors, such as:
- The quality of the coil pack
- How often you drive
- How well you maintain your vehicle
If you drive more miles, you may need to replace your coil packs more often than someone who only drives a few thousand miles a year.
What To Do After Changing an Ignition Coil
After you’ve changed your ignition coil, it’s essential to take the proper steps to avoid future problems. These steps include:
- Cleaning the area around the coils
- Checking for any loose wires or parts
- Making sure all the coils are seated correctly
- Testing the ignition system
These steps will help ensure that your ignition coil replacement was performed correctly and will help prevent future problems.
After completing these steps, it’s time to start the engine and let the car idle for a few minutes. This will allow the new coils to break in and seat properly.
Once the vehicle is idling smoothly, you can take it for a test drive.
Where To Replace Ignition Coil
You can replace your ignition coils yourself or take your car to a mechanic. If you decide to complete the repair, consult your car’s owner’s manual for the proper procedure.
You will need a good-quality multimeter to test the coils. You will also need a basic tool kit and the new ignition coils.
You can forego the hassle of doing it yourself by taking it to a mechanic. They can properly diagnose the problem and replace the ignition coils. It is the best option if you are not comfortable working on your car.
