Service and Cost
Typical Cost
1. Parts Cost: - OEM Parts: These are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $150 per coil. Some high-end or luxury vehicles may have even higher costs. - Aftermarket Parts: These can be more affordable, generally ranging from $20 to $70 per coil. However, quality can vary, so it's important to choose a reputable brand.
2. Labor Costs: - Labor costs can vary depending on the complexity of the job. On average, labor might range from $50 to $150 per hour. - Replacing a coil-on-plug ignition coil is usually a straightforward job, often taking about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the vehicle and the accessibility of the coils.
3. Total Cost: - For a single coil replacement, you might expect to pay between $70 and $300, including both parts and labor. - If multiple coils need to be replaced, the cost will increase accordingly. Some vehicles have one coil per cylinder, so replacing all coils in a V6 or V8 engine can be significantly more expensive.
4. Additional Considerations: - If the ignition coils are being replaced due to a misfire or other engine issues, it might also be necessary to replace spark plugs or other related components, which can add to the overall cost. - Some shops may offer a diagnostic fee to determine the exact cause of the problem, which can be an additional cost if not included in the repair.It's always a good idea to get multiple quotes from different repair shops and to consider the warranty offered on both parts and labor. Additionally, if you're comfortable with DIY repairs and have the necessary tools, replacing ignition coils can be a task that some vehicle owners choose to do themselves, potentially saving on labor costs.
Typical Service Procedure
1. Diagnosis: Before replacing or repairing, a thorough diagnosis is performed to confirm that the coil is the source of the problem. This may involve using an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes, inspecting for misfires, or testing the coil with a multimeter.
2. Replacement of the Coil If a coil is found to be faulty, it is usually replaced. This involves removing the electrical connector and any mounting bolts, then pulling the coil off the spark plug. New coils are installed by reversing the removal process, ensuring a secure connection to the spark plug and electrical system.
3. Inspection of Related Components Spark Plugs:Often, when a coil is replaced, the spark plug is also inspected and possibly replaced if it shows signs of wear or damage. Wiring and Connectors:The wiring harness and connectors should be checked for corrosion, damage, or loose connections, as these can also cause ignition problems.
4. Testing After replacement, the system is tested to ensure the new coil is functioning correctly. This may involve starting the engine and checking for smooth operation or using diagnostic tools to ensure no error codes are present.
5. Additional Repairs If the coil failure was due to another underlying issue, such as an oil leak into the spark plug well, that issue should be addressed to prevent future problems.
6. Documentation It’s important to document the repair or replacement for maintenance records, which can be useful for future diagnostics or if warranty claims are necessary.
7. Warranty Considerations Many replacement coils come with a warranty, so it’s important to keep the purchase receipt and warranty information in case the new coil fails prematurely.By following these steps, the vehicle’s ignition system can be restored to proper working order, ensuring reliable engine performance.
What is a Coil on Plug and What Does It Do?
The "Coil on Plug" (COP) system is an ignition system used in modern internal combustion engines. In this system, each cylinder has its own individual ignition coil mounted directly on top of the spark plug. This design eliminates the need for traditional spark plug wires, which were used to connect a single coil or a set of coils to the spark plugs in older ignition systems.Here are the key components and functions of the Coil on Plug system:
1. Ignition Coil: Each cylinder has its own ignition coil. The coil is responsible for converting the battery's low voltage into the high voltage needed to create a spark at the spark plug. This high voltage is necessary to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber.
2. Spark Plug: The spark plug is located directly beneath the ignition coil. It receives the high voltage from the coil and creates a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture.
3. Control Module: The engine control unit (ECU) or a dedicated ignition control module manages the timing and firing of each coil. It ensures that the spark occurs at the optimal time for efficient combustion.
4. Direct Mounting: The coil is mounted directly on the spark plug, which reduces energy loss and improves the efficiency of the ignition system. This direct connection also reduces electromagnetic interference and the potential for misfires.The Coil on Plug system offers several advantages over traditional ignition systems, including improved ignition timing accuracy, better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced reliability. By eliminating spark plug wires, the system also reduces maintenance needs and potential points of failure.
Signs of a bad Coil on Plug
Coil-on-Plug (COP) ignition systems are widely used in modern vehicles due to their efficiency and reliability. However, like any component, they can fail over time. Here are some common signs of failure for a Coil-on-Plug system:
1. Engine Misfires: One of the most common symptoms of a failing COP is engine misfires. This occurs when the coil fails to deliver the necessary spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder, leading to incomplete combustion.
2. Rough Idling: If the engine idles roughly or inconsistently, it could be due to a faulty coil. This is often accompanied by vibrations or shaking when the vehicle is at a stop.
3. Poor Fuel Economy: A failing coil can lead to inefficient combustion, which in turn can cause the engine to consume more fuel than usual, resulting in decreased fuel economy.
4. Check Engine Light: A malfunctioning COP can trigger the vehicle's onboard diagnostics system, causing the check engine light to illuminate. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to misfires or ignition issues can often be retrieved with a scan tool.
5. Difficulty Starting the Engine: If the coil is not providing sufficient spark, the engine may have trouble starting or may not start at all.
6. Loss of Power: A failing coil can lead to a noticeable loss of power, especially during acceleration, as the engine struggles to produce the necessary power output.
7. Backfiring: In some cases, a faulty coil can cause the engine to backfire, which is a loud popping noise from the exhaust or intake system due to unburned fuel igniting outside the combustion chamber.
8. Increased Emissions: Poor combustion due to a failing coil can lead to higher emissions, which may cause the vehicle to fail emissions tests.
9. Burning Smell or Smoke: In rare cases, a failing coil can overheat, leading to a burning smell or even smoke coming from the engine bay.If you suspect a problem with the COP system, it's important to have it diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious engine damage over time.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
