How much does it cost to replace an ignition coil?

Most cars cost between roughly $150 and $500 to replace an ignition coil, depending on the vehicle, whether you replace a single coil or a full coil pack, and the labor rate at the shop.

What determines the price

Several factors influence the final bill. The following elements shape both parts and labor costs, and thus the total you’ll pay:

• Parts cost: ignition coils range from inexpensive aftermarket units to more expensive OEM parts or coil packs, with coil-on-plug designs often priced higher than generic coils.


• Labor cost: shops charge by the hour, and some vehicles require more time to access the coil(s) due to engine layout or added components.


• Vehicle design: coil-on-plug (one coil per cylinder) versus a single coil pack for multiple cylinders; the number of cylinders directly affects how many coils or packs must be replaced.


• Diagnostic and miscellaneous fees: many shops include a diagnostic fee if you’re only replacing a coil after a trouble code, and you may encounter extra charges for spark plugs if they’re due for replacement.


• Warranty and brand choice: OEM parts often carry longer warranties but at a higher price than reputable aftermarket options.

The total cost reflects both the price of the parts and the time the technician spends accessing and installing them. Replacing one coil on a coil-on-plug system is usually cheaper than replacing a full coil pack or multiple coils on a larger engine or luxury vehicle.

Typical costs by scenario

These ranges give a practical sense of what you might pay in the United States. Actual prices can vary by region, shop, and vehicle model.

• Single ignition coil on a coil-on-plug four-cylinder engine: about $100–$350 for aftermarket parts, or $150–$500 when using OEM parts and including labor.


• Full coil pack replacement on a four- or six-cylinder engine: roughly $200–$500 for aftermarket packs, or $350–$800+ with OEM parts and labor.


• Replacement on multiple coils (e.g., two or more cylinders or a four- to six-coil setup): typically $300–$900 or more, depending on the number of coils and part quality.


• Luxury or high-performance vehicles with specialized coils or packs: $400–$1,000 or higher, due to parts cost and potentially more complex labor.


• Do-it-yourself replacement (parts-only): often $20–$150 depending on vehicle and chosen parts, but you’ll forego warranty and the shop’s diagnostic expertise.

Note that the cheapest option is usually the part itself, while the largest portion of cost for many cars is labor, especially when access is difficult or additional maintenance (like spark plugs) is bundled into the job.

Ways to save on ignition coil replacement

Small choices can add up to meaningful savings without compromising reliability.

• Get a written estimate that separates parts and labor and asks about diagnostic fees up front.


• Compare OEM versus reputable aftermarket parts for price and warranty coverage.


• Ask about bundling maintenance, such as replacing spark plugs at the same time if they’re due, to save labor.


• Consider DIY if the coil is easily accessible and you have the proper tools and safety precautions; ensure you’re comfortable with the work before starting.

Ultimately, planning ahead and obtaining multiple quotes can help you avoid overpaying while ensuring you get a reliable repair.

Conclusion

In most cases, ignition coil replacement falls in the mid-range for car repairs. Expect roughly $150 to $500 for a single coil or coil-on-plug scenario, with higher costs for coil packs, multiple coils, or luxury vehicles. Always verify the scope of work, parts choice, and labor rate in a written estimate to avoid surprises.

Summary

Replacing an ignition coil is a common, budgetable repair with costs driven by parts quality, labor time, and vehicle design. By understanding the main cost drivers and shopping around, you can budget effectively and choose a solution that fits your car and wallet.

What are the symptoms of a bad ignition coil?

Symptoms of a bad ignition coil include engine misfires, rough idling, and a check engine light. Other signs are sluggish acceleration, poor fuel economy, difficulty starting, and engine stalling. You might also notice sputtering, backfiring, or a strong smell of gas.
 
Performance and starting issues

• Engine misfires: The engine may feel like it's coughing, sputtering, or shaking because a spark plug isn't firing correctly. 
• Rough idling: Your car may shake or vibrate noticeably when it's stopped, such as at a traffic light. 
• Poor acceleration: You may experience sluggishness or a noticeable loss of power when trying to accelerate. 
• Difficulty starting: The engine may struggle to start, or may not start at all if multiple coils are bad. 
• Stalling: The engine may stall or hesitate while driving. 

Efficiency and other indicators

• Decreased fuel economy: A bad coil can cause the engine to burn more fuel, so you'll get fewer miles per gallon. 
• Backfiring: You might hear loud banging noises from the exhaust, which occurs when unburned fuel ignites in the exhaust system. 
• Strong smell of gas: This can happen when unburned fuel escapes through the exhaust system. 
• Check engine light: The vehicle's computer will detect the misfire and turn on the check engine light. A mechanic can use an OBD2 scanner to read the specific error codes. 

Can I replace ignition coils myself?

Yes, you can replace an ignition coil yourself, as it's a basic repair for many vehicles. The process generally involves disconnecting the battery, accessing the coil, removing the old one by disconnecting the wiring and bolt, and then installing the new coil. It's recommended to check if your car has coil-on-plug or a distributor, as the process can differ slightly. 
Before you begin

• Ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the engine is cool. 
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal: to avoid electrical hazards. 
• Locate your ignition coil(s). Cars with coil-on-plug systems have one coil per spark plug, often near the valve cover, while older cars may have a single coil connected to a distributor. 
• If you have an engine cover or air intake tubes, you may need to remove them to gain access to the coils. 

Step-by-step guide
This video demonstrates the process of replacing an ignition coil: 1mAutoZoneYouTube · Oct 4, 2022

1. Disconnect the electrical connector: Push the tab on the wiring harness and pull it off the coil. Do not pull on the wires themselves; grip the connector boot firmly. 
2. Remove the retaining bolt: Unscrew the bolt that holds the coil in place. Be careful not to drop it, especially into the engine's intake. 
3. Remove the old coil: Gently wiggle and pull the old coil straight out. 
4. Prepare the new coil (optional but recommended): Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the new coil's boot. This helps prevent the boot from sticking to the spark plug in the future and provides a better seal. 
5. Install the new coil: Push the new coil firmly into place, making sure it clicks onto the spark plug. 
6. Secure the coil: Reinstall and tighten the retaining bolt. 
7. Reconnect the electrical connector: Plug the wiring harness back into the new coil until it snaps into place. 
8. Repeat for other coils (if applicable): If you have a coil-on-plug system with multiple coils, repeat the process for any others that need replacement. 
9. Reconnect the battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal. 
10. Start the engine: Check if the check engine light turns off. You may want to check your car's manual for the specific procedures for your vehicle model. 

Is it worth it to change ignition coils?

Ignition coils are vital to your car's performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity, so neglecting them can lead to larger issues down the road. They're not that expensive - so replacing them preventatively is definitely worth it.

Can I drive with a bad ignition coil?

No, you should not drive with a bad ignition coil, as it can lead to expensive damage to the catalytic converter and potentially other engine components. While you might be able to drive a short distance if your vehicle has multiple coils, it is not recommended due to the risk of misfires, poor fuel economy, and a sudden breakdown. 
Risks of driving with a bad ignition coil

• Catalytic converter damage: Unburned fuel from a misfiring cylinder can enter the exhaust and ignite in the catalytic converter, leading to it overheating and failing. 
• Other component damage: Continued driving can put stress on other engine parts like the crankshaft and bearings, leading to more costly repairs. 
• Poor performance: You will likely experience symptoms like a rough idle, poor acceleration, and reduced fuel efficiency. 
• Sudden breakdown: The car could eventually stall, which could be dangerous and leave you stranded. 

What to do instead

• Get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
• Avoid driving the vehicle to prevent further damage.