When access to the part is challenging or mileage is high, replacing the full set of ignition coils for some cars is often advised, which can total $153–$240+.
- Parts: $40–$100+ per coil (boots may be separate)
- Labor: $80–$107+ per hour (dealers ~15–35% above independents; metros > rural)
For precise estimates for your exact car and location, use a repair estimator tool like the one in the Jerry app.
Real customers Jerry helped
The price range for an ignition coil replacement can vary based on your specific car, location, and parts used. But Jerry makes it easy to see what others are paying right now. Here are some examples of customers we’ve helped find the very best prices for their ignition coil repairs.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Use Jerry to help you find the exact price for your car, location, and parts.
Cost breakdown: Why prices vary
Each day, Jerry helps customers find good prices on car repairs, and found the most common reasons prices can vary:
How many coils need to be replaced:
If you need tor replace all ignition coils, this could adds ~$300–$900, mostly parts. Labor rises only if access is difficult.
Type of car:
Jerry customers have found that if their engines have more cylinders, they could see +$80–$400 in parts and +$30–$200 in labor. If the ignition coils are not easily accessible, this could increase labor costs by 2-4 hours
Part quality (OEM vs. aftermarket):
OEM-grade coils are more reliable; Jerry customers have seen of OEM parts cost $10–$40 more per coil (~$60–$250 per set).
Shop type & location:
Dealerships tend to charge more; Jerry customers see labor rates swing by $20–$60/hr between regions.
The repair explained: What is an ignition coil?
An ignition coil is a small part that takes your car’s 12-volt battery power and turns it into thousands of volts so a spark plug can make a spark and light the fuel. On most newer cars, there’s one coil sitting right on top of each spark plug (called “coil-on-plug”). Some older cars use one coil that feeds several plugs through thick wires.
With the engine idling, I lightly misted soapy water around the ignition coil pack (where the plug wires connect). If there are tiny cracks, the moisture lets the spark leak and the engine stumbles more. As soon as I sprayed, the idle got worse. A closer look revealed hairline cracks at the base of two of the three coils. Replacing those cracked coils fixed the shake on the spot.
Symptoms of a failing ignition coil
Know the signs of an ignition coil failure. Here’s what Jerry has found you should look out for, from helping real drivers diagnose their car issues:
- Blinking Check Engine Light: Severe misfire sends raw fuel into the exhaust, damaging the other parts like the catalytic converter. If flashing, tow.
- Rough idle or stalling
- Sluggish acceleration/loss of power
- Worse fuel economy
- Fuel smell
Your action plan: Get it done right
Follow this action plan to properly diagnose and address issues. These steps will help you work with your mechanic to ensure the repair is done correctly and efficiently.
Spot warning signs early:
Blinking Check Engine Light (tow it), rough idle, fuel smell or a stumble under light acceleration. Videos help shops gauge severity.
Get a clear diagnosis:
Jerry customers use Jerry’s diagnosis feature to give them more confidence before heading to the shop. At the shop, mechanics usually start with simple checks–oil/water in plug wells, brittle connectors and cracked boots. A coil-swap test often confirms a bad coil.
Decide—one or all?
Easy access + lower mileage = replace the failed coil (plus plugs). Buried coils, higher mileage or several aged = replace the set.
Bundle spark plugs:
New plugs with new coils ensure a strong spark.
Shop around:
It’s important to get a fair price. Jerry has helped customers get itemized quotes showing labor hours, parts costs, and other fees, all within the app.
Verify the fix:
Test drive to confirm smooth acceleration and idle, and ensure the Check Engine Light stays off.
DIY vs. Pro: What to expect
Whether you want to fix your ignition coil yourself or leave it to a pro, Jerry can help give you pricing transparency around parts and shop labor. Here is what to consider when deciding whether to DIY this repair.
| Approach | Cost | Time | Skill Level | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (easy-access coils) | $40–$100+ (part only) | 30–60 minutes | Beginner with basic tools | Medium–High (breaking connectors, over-torquing bolts, mixing up wire routing) |
| Professional (hard-access coils) | $500–$1,200+ (full set) | 2–5 hours | Intermediate–Advanced | Low (professional experience, warranty) |
When you can DIY
- You can see and reach the coils on top of the engine without removing big parts.
- You have basic tools: a ratchet and socket set, a spark-plug socket with a rubber insert, a small extension, Torx/Allen bits, and a 3/8″ torque wrench.
- No leaks are present: no oil or coolant in the spark-plug wells.
- Only one cylinder is acting up (a single misfire), and everything else seems normal.
When to go to a Pro
- The coils are buried under an intake manifold, fuel rail, or other major parts.
- Wiring or connectors look damaged, or you suspect the engine computer isn’t triggering the coil correctly.
- High mileage and multiple worn parts (e.g., coils, plugs, valve cover gasket) mean it’s smarter to do a bundled repair.
- Your car needs a software reset after the work (clearing “learned” settings), which some cars require.
Jerry recommends: Stick with the same type of part your car came with. Brands like Denso, Hitachi, or Bosch usually fit best and help avoid issues like radio static.
Related repairs & inspections
If you need your ignition coils replaced, you may want to check other related repairs as well–you can save by bundling services together. Jerry helps customers find reliable repair prices for multiple services at once.
- Spark plugs: Replace all plugs with coils. Labor overlaps; worn plugs hurt performance and shorten coil life. Use the specified plug type and don’t pry the fine-wire tip to gap.
- Valve cover gasket: Oil in plug wells kills coils; replace the valve cover gasket if oil is present. $200-$400+ on most 4-cylinder engines.$300–$600 V6/V8.
- Intake manifold/plenum gaskets: On engines where the manifold removal is necessary, the gaskets should be replaced. Expect $20-$80 in parts and an additional 2–4 hours of labor ($200–$600).
- Persistent misfires: If spark plugs and coils do not fix the problem, there may be a faulted fuel injector or a mechanical malfunction in the engine.
- Fuel injector replacement: $250–$500 per injector (part + labor)
- Internal engine diagnosis: $150–$300 for compression/leakdown testing
Use the Jerry app to bundle these into one quote.
What our customers are asking us
-
Can I drive with a bad ignition coil?
-
Do I have to replace all of them at once?
-
What’s the difference between an ignition coil and a spark plug?
-
Will this affect my emissions test?
Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
