Ignition coil replacement cost — What you can expect to pay

Understanding the Cost of Ignition Coil Replacement

Essential for the engine’s operation, the ignition coil is responsible for converting the battery’s low voltage to the high voltage needed to create a spark in the spark plugs. This spark ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders, powering your vehicle. When an ignition coil fails, it can lead to a host of problems, including engine misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and even engine damage if not addressed promptly. But what does ignition coil replacement cost, and what factors influence this cost? This article breaks down the costs associated with ignition coil replacement, helping you understand what to expect.

The Type of Ignition Coil Affects the Replacement Cost

There are generally two types of ignition coils: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) coils from the dealer and aftermarket coils.

OEM coils are made by the vehicle’s manufacturer or a licensed third party, ensuring that the part meets the exact specifications required by the vehicle. These tend to be more expensive but are often recommended to ensure compatibility and performance.

Aftermarket coils are made by other manufacturers and can vary in quality. While some aftermarket coils are as reliable as OEM parts, others might not perform as well, potentially leading to more frequent replacements. However, they are usually less expensive and can be a good option for those looking to save money.

There are three types of ignition systems

Conventional Single Coil— In a conventional ignition system, one coil provides power for all the spark plugs. This type is the easiest and least costly to replace.
Distributorless Ignition (DIS)— A DIS coil is usually a single unit made up of separate interior coils. Each individual coil fires two spark plugs.

Coil on Plug Ignition (COP)— In a COP system there’s one coil for each plug. Replacing COP coils on a 4-cylinder engine costs more than replacing a DIS type coil. However, replacing COP coils on a 6-cylinder engine can be quite costly due to the labor involved to remove an intake manifold or access the rear cylinder bank.

Average Costs of Ignition Coil Replacement

On average, the cost of replacing an ignition coil ranges from $150 to $350 per coil, including both parts and labor. However, this can vary widely:

Economy Vehicles: For smaller, more common vehicles like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, the cost can range from $100 to $250 per coil, including labor.
Luxury Vehicles: For luxury or performance vehicles like a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz, the cost can range from $200 to $500 per coil, due to higher parts and labor costs.
Older Vehicles: In older vehicles with a single coil serving all cylinders, the replacement cost can be lower since only one coil needs to be replaced. The cost, in this case, might range from $100 to $200.

If your vehicle has multiple ignition coils, and more than one needs replacing, the cost can add up quickly. For instance, replacing all six coils on a V6 engine could cost between $600 and $1,800, depending on the vehicle and whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts.

COP and DIS coils are typically more expensive because they are more technologically advanced and offer improved performance and efficiency. The cost of replacing ignition coils can also be influenced by the vehicle’s specific make, model, and year. Different vehicles require different ignition coils, and the availability and pricing of these coils may vary depending on the vehicle’s specifications. Luxury or high-performance vehicles may use specialized ignition coils that are more expensive than those used in standard vehicles.

Replacement cost for standard and DIS ignition coils

For standard vehicles with conventional ignition coils, replacing a single ignition coil can range from $100 to $300. However, for vehicles equipped with more advanced ignition systems like coil-on-plug (COP) or distributorless ignition system (DIS) coils, the cost may be higher, ranging from $200 to $600 per coil. The total cost of ignition coil replacement consists of two main components: the cost of the ignition coil itself and the labor charges for installation. Ignition coils can vary in price based on their type and quality, ranging from $50 to $200 or more for each coil.

Coil-on-Plug Replacement

The ignition coil replacement cost varies depending on how many components must be removed to access the ignition coils. For example, to remove and replace an ignition coil on a 2010 Mazda CX-7 turbo engine, you must first remove the engine cover and the intercooler. The flat rate guide shows a time of about 45 minutes to remove those components and one coil. Once those components are removed, however, the flat rate guide shows a time of just 15 more minutes to replace the other three ignition coils for a total time of 1 hour.

If the shop has to perform a diagnostic to determine which ignition coil has failed, the cost to replace a single ignition coil would be approximately 2 hours labor plug $130 per coil. At an hourly rate of $125/hour, the total cost would be $380.

©, 2021 Rick Muscoplat