Ignition Coil Replacement Cost [Pro Install Worth It?]
If you’ve noticed a decrease in horsepower or increased backfiring, there’s a good chance that you may need to replace your ignition coil. No matter the type of car you drive, replacing an ignition coil is affordable and straightforward.
The average cost to replace an ignition coil is $60 to $350. This will differ depending on your cars model and labor costs. Parts cost $30 to $150 dollars while labor cost averages around $119 dollars.
Want to learn more about the cost of replacing an ignition coil? Keep reading, and we’ll go over the exact costs of five different types of coils.
The Average Cost to Replace an Ignition Coil
Here’s a look at the average cost to replace an ignition coil, along with the high and low-end estimates.
| High-End Estimate | $82 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $60 |
| Low-End Estimate | $37 |
The Average Cost to Replace an Ignition Coil Plus Installation
Replacing an ignition coil is a quick job, and many car owners can do it without help. However, if you don’t have the tools or skills, you may need to pay a mechanic.
The average cost of the labor to replace an ignition coil is $59, bringing the average cost of the coil plus installation to $119.
| High-End Estimate | $150 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $119 |
| Low-End Estimate | $87 |
Below is a look at the cost of five different types of ignition coils, excluding the cost of labor. We’ll touch on each of these in more detail.
| Price | Electronic | Distributorless | Conventional | COP | MSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-End Estimate | $77 | $115 | $64 | $56 | $97 |
| Average Cost | $59.50 | $71.50 | $46.50 | $44 | $76 |
| Low-End Estimate | $42 | $28 | $29 | $32 | $55 |
Types of Ignition Coils
To give you the best representation of the cost to replace an ignition coil, we looked at the top five most popular types of coils.
Electronic Ignition Coils
An electronic ignition coil boasts high-performance technology, and off-brand coils fit in OEM brackets. As its name suggests, an electronic ignition coil functions with the help of electronic circuits.
These electronic circuits work with transistors to create 30 to 40% more spark compared to other ignition coils. You can find electronic ignition coils on Amazon and at various auto parts stores.
The Cost of an Electronic Ignition Coil
| High-End Estimate | $77 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $59.50 |
| Low-End Estimate | $42 |
Electronic ignition coils typically require more maintenance than the alternatives because of the wear and tear over time. Because of their relatively low price, many manufacturers don’t offer warranties on electronic ignition coils.
You should expect to get around 100,000 miles of use out of one of these coils. A standard coil weighs around two pounds and measures 7 x 2 x 2 inches.
Key Features of an Electronic Ignition Coil
- Delivers 30 to 40% more spark energy compared to other coil types
- Can last up to 100,000 miles or more
- Has a design that fits well with OEM parts
- Manufactured with high-grade, long-lasting materials
- Works with street and strip engines
Distributorless Ignition Coils
Another popular type of coil is a distributorless ignition coil. How does a distributor ignition coil differ from an electronic ignition coil? Well, a distributorless system has various coils that a board computer controls.
The coils themselves are not very different – you can test and install them similar to how you would with other ignition systems.
The Cost of a Distributorless Ignition Coil
| High-End Estimate | $115 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $71.50 |
| Low-End Estimate | $28 |
Compared to other ignition coils, distributorless ignition coils (and the systems, too) prove to be more reliable. While they aren’t fail-proof, distributorless ignition systems do not have a vacuum, rotor, or distributor, ultimately meaning less maintenance.
Like electronic ignition coils, you can purchase distributorless ignition coils at specialty automotive stores and on Amazon. If you need a replacement, you can easily buy OEM and off-brand coils.
And although a distributorless system uses more than one coil, you don’t have to replace them all at once (however, it doesn’t hurt).
Key Features of a Distributorless Ignition Coil
- Requires less maintenance than other ignition coils
- Multiple coils needed to operate a distributorless ignition system
- Available as an OEM part
- Made with durable and high-quality materials
- Boasts a design that’s easy to install and test
Conventional Ignition Coils
Perhaps the most iconic on our list is the conventional ignition coil. You can find many replacements for conventional coils that fit OEM parts and feature the same quality materials.
In a conventional ignition system, power from the resistor flows through the principal coil. If any endpoints in the system open, the system can fail, and such a failure can occur with faulty coils. T
The main components of this ignition coil include two primary terminals, an output terminal, an iron core, and a primary and secondary coil.
The Cost of a Conventional Ignition Coil
| High-End Estimate | $64 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $46.50 |
| Low-End Estimate | $29 |
However, if you drive a car from the 80s, you may need to replace your coil every 15,000 to 25,000 miles. Do not worry, though; you can easily find conventional ignition coils on Amazon, eBay, and various online automotive websites. You’ll often find conventional ignition coils in an older vehicle. Many manufacturers are producing new cars with electronic and distributorless ignition systems.
Finding them in a store is a bit trickier, on the other hand, because they aren’t as popular nowadays. Many coils sold online come with a one-year warranty.
Key Features of Conventional Ignition Coils
- Most products meet OEM specifications
- Compatible with various vehicle types
- Can last up to 25,000 miles
- Easy to install
- Made with high-quality materials often protected by a warranty
Coil-On-Plug Ignition Coils
A coil-on-plug ignition system is unique in that its coil is right above the spark plug. The location of the coil helps the plug receive maximum voltage.
Many car owners prefer coil-on-plug coils because they improve the accuracy of the spark timing. They also help reduce the car’s emissions.
These coils are relatively inexpensive, and many online and brick-n-mortar stores sell them in packs of four and six. You’ll often see sellers describe these coils as a “direct fit.”
The Cost of a Coil-On-Plug Ignition Coil
| High-End Estimate | $56 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $44 |
| Low-End Estimate | $32 |
Depending on the year and model of your car, you could quickly get an OEM coil-on-plug ignition coil or an off-brand alternative. These coils are very light; they typically weigh less than two pounds and measure around 8 x 7 x 2 inches.
Further, many of the coils come with a one-year warranty should they have any manufacturer defects. You should expect to get 80,000 – 100,000 miles out of a coil-on-plug ignition coil. If you do need to replace the coil, the cost is minimal.
Key Features of Coil-On-Plug Ignition Coils
- Can last up to 100,000 miles
- Often come in packages of six or four
- Built to fit directly on top of the spark plug
- Made with long-lasting metal
- Many coils come with a one-year warranty
MSD Ignition Coils
Drivers who want to maximize the horsepower of their car opt for an MSD ignition coil. MSD stands for Multiple Spark Discharge, and the brand behind the product is MSD Ignition.
Compared to a standard OEM ignition coil, MSD ignition coils light the spark plug various times instead of just once. Depending on how often you drive your car, you’ll have to replace your MSD coil once every couple of years.
The cost of an MSD Ignition Coil
| High-End Estimate | $97 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $76 |
| Low-End Estimate | $55 |
All MSD ignition coils come with a limited warranty that protects them from manufacturer defects as long as you use the coils for their intended purpose. MSD boasts an extensive collection of coil types – performance, street, and race.
Some of the brand’s most popular products include its HVC-2 Series Ignition Coil and Pro Power HVC Ignition Coil. You can find MSD products at various online and in-person stores, including Amazon, Holley, and Advance Auto Parts.
It’s safe to say that these ignition coils are for car enthusiasts – not your everyday driver. Nonetheless, you can still get your hands on an MSD ignition coil without spending a fortune.
Key Features of MSD Ignition Coils
- Lights the spark plug multiple times instead of once
- Made in the United States with durable materials
- Available in various styles that fit both sport and commuter cars
- Comes with a limited warranty that covers manufacturer defects
- Each coil lasts a couple of years, depending on how many miles you drive annually
The Cost to Pay Someone to Replace Your Ignition Coil
You don’t need to be a skilled mechanic to replace an ignition coil on your own. However, you will need a wrench, screwdriver, ratchet, and a socket set.
You should also be comfortable disconnecting your battery and working in the hood of your car. If you’re not sure where to locate your ignition coils or if you don’t have the tools, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic.
Since replacing an ignition coil is a quick job, you should only pay between $50 to $68.
Here’s a look at the costs of labor:
| High-End Estimate | $68 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $59 |
| Low-End Estimate | $50 |
A Final Look
Fortunately, you won’t break the bank if you have to replace your ignition coil. However, not replacing the ignition coil could lead to more expensive car issues and an overall poor driving experience.
If you suspect a problem with the coil, pop up your hood and take a look. Replacing an ignition coil is super affordable and only takes a couple of minutes.
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