The average total cost for an ignition coil replacement is $250 to $450, including $150 to $300 for parts and $100 to $150 for labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle’s year and model.

The total parts cost includes a new ignition coil but may extend to a replacement car battery, ignition switch, and set of spark plugs. As for the labor costs, it takes around one to three hours for a certified mechanic to inspect your vehicle, diagnose the problem, and complete an ignition coil replacement.

Keep in mind that repair costs will vary based on your location and the model of your car.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do you need for an ignition coil replacement?

There are three main types of ignition systems. From oldest to newest, they are the conventional (or “contact breaker” or “breaker point”) ignition system, the electronic ignition system, and the distributorless ignition system. All three use ignition coils.

Here are some of the other parts they have in common:

Ignition coils ($15-$910) are a staple of all three ignition systems. They transform the 12-volt current of the car battery into 60-120,000 volts of raw power. Distributors or distributor caps use either breaker points or pickup coils to time the bursts of electricity it sends to the spark plugs.

Ignition switches

($5-$2,800) are found in conventional and electronic ignition systems. The switch completes the circuit and fires up the engine when you turn the key or push the ignition switch. Hitting the ignition switch again will interrupt the circuit and shut down the engine.

Car batteries

($90-$700) are found in all three ignition systems. They supply the ignition coils with a low-voltage current once the circuit is completed.

Ignition cables, or spark plug wires

, ($4-$805) are present in conventional and electronic ignition systems. They pass the voltage created by the ignition coils and timed by the distributor to the spark plugs.

Spark plugs

($2-$65) are essential to all three ignition systems. They shoot a high-voltage bolt of power across a small gap in each of your vehicle engine’s cylinders, igniting the mixture of air and fuel inside at just the right time. These electrical explosions bring your car’s engine to life like a mechanical Frankenstein.

Keep in mind: Restoring your car to life might require new ignition coils, as well as replacement spark plugs, spark plug wires, or a fresh ignition switch.

You can buy all the parts you need at auto part stores such as AutoZone or NAPA Auto Parts. You could also purchase them online from websites such as Amazon and eBay.

Some popular brands of ignition switches are Standard Motor Products, ACDelco, and Dorman. For car batteries, Optima, ACDelco and DieHard are reputable brands. When shopping for an ignition control module, you may want to consider ACDelco, Standard Motor Products and Delphi. Bosch, Delphi and ACDelco are recommended ignition coil brands, and NGK Denso and ACDelco are recommended ignition cable/spark plug wire brands. NGK, Denso and Bosch are popular spark plug brands. The correct parts for your vehicle depend on the type of vehicle you drive. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to ensure you’re purchasing the proper parts.

MORE:

Ignition coil vs. spark plug: what’s the difference?

Where can I buy parts for an ignition coil replacement?

You can buy replacement parts at automotive body shops, parts shops, dealerships, or online stores like Autozone or Amazon. If you prefer OEM parts, you can also try your vehicle manufacturer’s official website. Check your owner’s manual for any crucial specifications so you don’t buy the wrong part.

Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket ignition coil?

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts cost much more than aftermarket parts but often include better warranties. For example, if a certified Toyota mechanic installs a genuine ignition coil in your car, you’ll get a 24-month/25,000-mile warranty. The average cost of parts is even higher for luxury makes like Audi or Mercedes-Benz. However, an aftermarket ignition coil pack will typically cost less and perform the same basic function.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my ignition coil replaced?

Deciding on a local repair shop often feels like making a big decision on too little information. Are the prices fair? Are the mechanics trustworthy? Jerry's

GarageGuard™

puts the power back in your hands by giving you detailed fair price estimates* for over 2,500 vetted auto repair shops across the country.

On Jerry's GarageGuard, you can see real hourly labor rates, diagnostics fees, and verified user reviews. Download the app today to compare prices from vetted businesses like the ones below.

198 Reviews

Boss Auto

120 E Gish Rd, San Jose, CA

Ignition Coil Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$268

(Parts - $87, Labor - $181)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$95

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (657) 445-6033

158 Reviews

Discount Tire Centers Hollywood

7120 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Ignition Coil Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$309

(Parts - $87, Labor - $222)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$85

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (818) 691-1978

187 Reviews

1DM AUTO

7590 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Duluth, GA

Ignition Coil Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$240

(Parts - $87, Labor - $153)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$65

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (770) 866-5183

174 Reviews

Yoo's Auto Service & Collision

189 W Duncannon Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Ignition Coil Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$233

(Parts - $87, Labor - $146)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (215) 457-7777

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How do mechanics replace ignition coils?

An ignition coil replacement is a simple service requiring a basic knowledge of ignition systems, little equipment, and plenty of caution. Take your car to the garage and the mechanic will:

Disconnect the battery and allow the car to cool.

Access the ignition coils by unsticking components and removing other parts as needed.

Disconnect the wiring around the ignition coils and clean the connectors.

Test the ignition coils with a multimeter or voltmeter to confirm malfunction.

Replace the faulty ignition coil(s) and reconnect the wiring.

Replace all parts and battery cables, then test the car.

Is it okay to drive with a failed ignition coil?

Ignition coils are an integral part of your car’s ignition and powertrain systems. Depending on the severity of the problem, your ability to drive may be impacted by:

A car that won’t start: If the ignition coils fail to fire up the engine, you won’t be going anywhere. Don’t let it be; an inactive car can easily get stuck in place.

Engine misfires: Without any electricity, any spark plugs connected to a bad ignition coil won’t fire, or will misfire. Besides a rough ride, you risk engine damage the longer the situation continues.

A faulty catalytic converter: If the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders doesn’t get ignited, where does it go? Well, it follows the path of the exhaust to the catalytic converter. Needless to say, the converter isn’t equipped to handle raw gasoline, and it could be damaged the longer you neglect a bad ignition coil.

What is an ignition coil replacement?

An ignition coil replacement services the mini transformers inside your car that convert the low voltage of the car battery into a powerful enough spark to ignite the fuel in the engine’s combustion chamber. Ignition coils sit on top of the spark plugs in the standard coil-on-plug system that’s common in modern cars. They’re sold pre-assembled and in individual and multiple packs.

What are the symptoms of a bad ignition coil?

In the absence of clear damage, it can be hard to determine whether your ignition coils are failing or not. Here are some warning signs to watch for:

It’s been a while since you last replaced the ignition coils: Ignition coils should be replaced (or at least inspected) every 80,000 to 100,000 miles.

Engine misfires, rough idling, unexplained vibrations, and sudden loss of power: If your ignition coils aren’t working, your engine cylinders won’t fire correctly or at all. This can produce unbalanced shaking, knocking, and stalling.

Poor gas mileage: Reduced fuel efficiency goes hand in hand with a misfiring engine.

Increased emissions: Ignition coil failure causes the unburned fuel in your engine cylinders to pass out the butt of your car and make the air stinky.

A check engine light: The check engine light indicates a multitude of errors, but an OBD code reader (or a mechanic) can tell you if it relates to the ignition coils.

Trouble starting the car: Without the vital spark provided by the ignition coils, your car might not start at all.

Key Takeaway If your car engine runs poorly and misfires, you could have an ignition coil problem.

MORE:

What is an engine misfire?

How long do ignition coils typically last?

Ignition coils typically last 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Often, malfunctions and wear in other parts of the car cause ignition coils to fail. For example, if your ballast resistor breaks, your ignition coils might fry under the resulting power surge. Loose ignition cables and gaps can cause your coils to compensate for ever-larger doses of electricity. And finally, a lack of general maintenance could cause air, moisture, and dust to enter and corrode the coils.

Is an ignition coil easy to fix?

Ignition coils are usually easy to access and simple to replace, making them a great DIY job. However, as with services concerning your car’s electronics, you need to be careful about handling wires and preventing shocks. Try and find a detailed repair manual or instructional video before you begin, and remember your protective equipment.

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FAQs

Is it worth replacing all the ignition coils at once?

It’s good practice to replace all the ignition coils at once because, barring any unusual damage, they usually wear out at the same time. Asking a mechanic to replace several parts at once is cheaper than making multiple visits to the garage.

Should you replace ignition coils and spark plugs at the same time?

Unless your ignition coils are also failing, it’s not necessary to replace them and the spark plugs. Their lifespans won’t necessarily line up with those of your ignition coils. Copper and nickel spark plugs can last as little as 30,000 miles, while platinum and iridium parts may extend to 150,000 miles or more.

Are spark plugs and ignition coils the same thing?

No, spark plugs and ignition coils aren’t the same thing. They look different and aren’t interchangeable; spark plugs are thin metallic plugs, while ignition coils are cylindrical and usually have a plastic housing. Ignition coils supply the spark plugs with powerful bursts of electricity.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

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Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.