How much does a mechanic charge to change an ignition coil?

The cost to have a mechanic replace an ignition coil can vary, but typically ranges from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the labor required, and the cost of the replacement part. The ignition coil is an essential component in the vehicle's ignition system, and its replacement is often necessary when the coil fails or begins to malfunction.

Understanding Ignition Coil Replacement Costs

The ignition coil is responsible for converting the low-voltage current from the battery into the high-voltage current needed to fire the spark plugs and ignite the fuel in the engine's cylinders. When an ignition coil fails, it can cause a range of issues, including misfiring, poor engine performance, and even complete engine failure. As a result, it's important to have a malfunctioning ignition coil replaced as soon as possible.

The cost of replacing an ignition coil can vary depending on several factors:

• Vehicle make and model: The cost of the replacement ignition coil can vary significantly based on the specific make and model of the vehicle. Luxury and high-performance vehicles, for example, may have more expensive ignition coils than more common, budget-friendly models.


• Labor costs: The labor required to replace an ignition coil can also vary, depending on the accessibility of the coil and the complexity of the vehicle's ignition system. Some vehicles may require more time and effort to access and replace the coil, which can increase the labor costs.


• Replacement part cost: The cost of the replacement ignition coil itself can also vary, with some coils costing as little as $20 and others costing $100 or more, depending on the quality and brand of the part.

In addition to the cost of the replacement ignition coil and the labor required to install it, some mechanics may also charge a diagnostic fee to identify the issue and determine the appropriate replacement part.

Factors That Affect Ignition Coil Replacement Costs

Several factors can influence the overall cost of replacing an ignition coil, including:

• Vehicle age and mileage: Older vehicles or those with higher mileage may be more prone to ignition coil failure, which can increase the frequency of replacement and the overall cost.


• Number of ignition coils: Some vehicles have multiple ignition coils, which can increase the overall replacement cost if multiple coils need to be replaced.


• Accessibility of the ignition coil: The location of the ignition coil within the vehicle can also affect the labor costs, as some coils may be more difficult to access and replace than others.


• Mechanic's experience and expertise: The experience and expertise of the mechanic performing the ignition coil replacement can also impact the overall cost, with more experienced mechanics typically charging higher labor rates.

It's important to note that the cost of replacing an ignition coil can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of the vehicle and the mechanic performing the work. It's always a good idea to get multiple quotes from reputable mechanics to ensure you're getting a fair price for the repair.

How long does an ignition coil replacement take?

Replacing an ignition coil can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the vehicle's engine design and accessibility. A simple replacement on an engine with an easily accessible, single coil may only take 15 to 30 minutes, while a more complex job on a V-engine where coils are hard to reach can take much longer, especially if other related parts like spark plugs need to be changed at the same time. 
You can watch this video to learn how ignition coils work: 1mHonest Mechanic ColoradoYouTube · Mar 2, 2024
Factors that affect replacement time

• Engine configuration: A four-cylinder engine with an inline-four setup may be quicker to work on than a V6 or V8 engine where some coils are difficult to reach. 
• Coil placement: Engines with coil-on-plug systems can vary in difficulty. Some are very accessible, while others are buried under other components, requiring more time to get to. 
• Need for additional work: If you are replacing spark plugs at the same time, the job will naturally take longer. It is often recommended to do both at once. 
• Vehicle accessibility: Some vehicles have one bank of cylinders that is difficult to access from above. This may require you to jack up the car, adding extra time to the process. 

How much does labor cost to replace ignition coil?

Ignition coil replacement labor costs typically range from $80 to $150 per hour, with the total labor time for a single coil often taking around 0.5 to 2 hours depending on the vehicle's design. Factors like the vehicle's make, model, and the specific ignition system affect the labor rate and time. The total cost will include parts, which can range from $40 to over $300 per coil, making a complete job cost anywhere from $150 to over $450.
 
Factors influencing labor costs

• Labor rate: This is influenced by your geographic location and the type of shop (e.g., independent mechanic, dealership). 
• Time required: The complexity of the replacement varies significantly by vehicle. Some coils are easy to access, while others are in difficult-to-reach spots, which can increase labor time. 
• Type of ignition system: Vehicles with more modern "coil-on-plug" systems may require more time for replacement than older distributor-based systems. 
• Difficulty of removal: On some vehicles, the ignition coil or its boot may be difficult to remove and could be damaged, leading to extra labor and replacement costs. 

How to get an accurate estimate
To get the most accurate estimate, it is best to use a repair estimator tool or contact a local mechanic with your car's specific year, make, and model information.

Is it okay to replace just one ignition coil?

Yes, you can replace just one ignition coil, but it's often recommended to replace them in sets or consider replacing the spark plugs at the same time. The decision depends on the age of the coils, the cost, and whether the labor to access the coils is significant. 
This video explains whether you should replace one or all ignition coils at once: 53sBundysGarageYouTube · Apr 14, 2023
When replacing only one is sufficient

• The other coils are relatively new and in good condition. 
• You are on a tight budget. 
• You are comfortable with the possibility of another coil failing sooner and requiring another repair later. 

When replacing all is a better long-term option

• The vehicle is older and the other coils are original and have high mileage, as they are likely to fail soon. 
• The job is labor-intensive, such as requiring the removal of the intake manifold, making it more cost-effective to replace all coils while you're already in there. 
• You want to avoid the possibility of a repeat repair in a short period, which can be more costly in the long run when factoring in labor and diagnostic fees. 
• A complete set is cheaper than buying individual coils. 

Additional considerations

• Inspect the spark plugs: It's a good practice to inspect or replace the spark plugs at the same time, especially if they haven't been changed recently, since worn plugs can cause coils to fail prematurely.
• Check for other issues: Before replacing, make sure the coil failed due to a manufacturing defect and not an underlying problem, such as excessive resistance from worn-out spark plug wires or other components. 

Can I drive my car with a bad ignition coil?

No, you should not drive your car with a bad ignition coil, as continuing to drive can cause significant and costly damage to other engine components like the catalytic converter. Driving with a bad ignition coil will result in a poor driving experience due to misfires, rough idling, and poor acceleration. 
Risks of driving with a bad ignition coil

• Damage to the catalytic converter: Unburnt fuel from misfires can enter the exhaust and cause the catalytic converter to overheat and fail, which is an expensive part to replace. 
• Internal engine damage: Prolonged driving can cause unburnt fuel to wash oil from the cylinder walls, and fuel can also enter the oil pan, diluting the oil and potentially leading to damage to the engine's bearings and crankshaft. 
• Reduced fuel efficiency: The engine will run inefficiently, leading to higher fuel consumption. 
• Rough driving and potential stalling: The car will likely have a rough idle, jerk, or lose power, especially when accelerating, which can be a safety hazard in traffic. 
• Strain on other components: A bad coil can put extra strain on other parts of the ignition system, such as spark plugs and the engine control unit (ECU). 

What to do instead

• Replace the ignition coil: It's best to replace the faulty ignition coil as soon as possible to prevent further damage. 
• Get it towed: If the car is undrivable, have it towed to a mechanic to avoid more extensive and expensive repairs.