What an ignition coil does and why it matters
An ignition coil is the part that converts your car's battery voltage into the much higher voltage needed to fire your spark plugs. Without it, your engine won't start or run. When your ignition coil fails, your car typically won't start at all, or it will start and then stall, misfire, or run rough.
Most cars have either one coil serving all cylinders (older vehicles) or one coil per cylinder (modern vehicles). The coil sits on or near the engine and connects to the battery, the ignition system, and the spark plugs. Over time, heat, moisture, and electrical stress wear out the internal windings inside the coil, and it stops producing the voltage your spark plugs need.
Advance Auto Parts stocks replacement ignition coils for most vehicle makes and model years. You can browse their inventory online by entering your vehicle's year, make, and model, or visit a store location and speak with a parts associate who can help you find the right coil for your car.
Key Takeaways
- An ignition coil converts battery voltage into the high voltage spark plugs need to fire, and a failed coil usually prevents the engine from starting or causes misfires.
- Advance Auto Parts carries replacement coils for most vehicles and can help you identify the correct part by year, make, and model.
- You can order coils online for store pickup or home delivery, or purchase them in person at a nearby location.
- Ignition coils typically cost between $50 and $300 per coil depending on your vehicle, with modern cars often needing multiple coils replaced at once.
How to find the right ignition coil at Advance Auto Parts
Start by going to advanceautoparts.com and using the "Find Parts" tool. Enter your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. The site will show you all compatible ignition coils in stock, along with the price and the number in stock at your nearest store.
If you do not know your engine size or are unsure which coil you need, visit an Advance Auto Parts store in person. Bring your vehicle's keys or registration paperwork. A parts associate can look up your vehicle in their system and show you the correct coil, or you can call ahead and ask them to confirm the part number before you come in.
Advance Auto Parts also carries coil packs (which contain multiple coils in one unit) and coil-on-plug assemblies (where the coil mounts directly on the spark plug). The type you need depends on your vehicle's design. The parts associate or the website will show you which style fits your car.
Pricing and availability at Advance Auto Parts
Ignition coil prices at Advance Auto Parts range widely based on your vehicle. A single coil for an older car might cost $50 to $100, while a coil for a newer vehicle can run $150 to $300 or more. Coil packs that contain multiple coils cost more but may be necessary if your vehicle's design requires replacing them as a unit.
Availability changes by location and by part. The Advance Auto Parts website shows real-time stock at stores near you. If the coil you need is not in stock locally, you can order it online for delivery to your home or for pickup at a store, though delivery times vary.
Advance Auto Parts frequently runs sales and promotions on parts. You can sign up for their email list or check their website for current discounts. Some locations also offer a discount if you bring in your old coil for recycling.
Signs your ignition coil may be failing
A failing ignition coil usually produces one or more of these symptoms: the engine will not start, the engine starts but stalls when ready, the engine misfires or runs rough, the check engine light comes on, or fuel economy drops noticeably. Some cars will also show a specific fault code related to the coil or a cylinder misfire when you plug a diagnostic scanner into the vehicle.
If you experience any of these symptoms, have the vehicle scanned for fault codes before you buy a new coil. A code like P0300 (random misfire) or P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire) points to a coil problem, but other issues—like a bad spark plug, fuel injector, or sensor—can cause similar symptoms. Knowing the code helps you buy the right part the first time.
Installation and next steps after purchase
Replacing an ignition coil is a job that ranges from straightforward to moderately difficult depending on your vehicle. On some cars, the coil sits on top of the engine and takes five minutes to swap out. On others, you may need to remove the intake manifold or other engine components to reach it.
If you are comfortable working on cars, Advance Auto Parts sells the coils and can point you toward online repair guides or YouTube videos for your specific vehicle. If you prefer professional installation, take the coil to a mechanic or dealership. Many mechanics will install a part you bring them for a labor fee, which is often cheaper than buying the coil from them directly.
After installation, the check engine light should turn off within a few driving cycles if the coil was the problem. If the light stays on or comes back, the issue may be something else, and you should have the vehicle scanned again.
Other ignition system parts Advance Auto Parts carries
If you are replacing an ignition coil, you may also want to consider replacing the spark plugs at the same time, especially if they are old. Spark plugs and coils wear together, and replacing both can prevent you from having to do the job twice. Advance Auto Parts carries spark plugs, spark plug wires (on older vehicles), and distributor caps.
You can also find ignition system diagnostic tools at Advance Auto Parts, including basic multimeters and OBD-II code readers. A code reader lets you see what fault codes your vehicle is storing, which helps you confirm that the coil is actually the problem before you buy a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return an ignition coil to Advance Auto Parts if it does not fix my problem?
Yes. Advance Auto Parts accepts returns of parts within 30 days of purchase with a receipt, as long as the part is unused and in its original packaging. If you installed the coil and it did not solve the problem, you can return it, but you may need to show proof that you tried it. Keep your receipt and packaging.
How do I know if I need one coil or multiple coils?
Older vehicles (pre-1990s) typically have one coil serving all cylinders. Most modern cars have one coil per cylinder, so a four-cylinder engine needs four coils, a six-cylinder needs six, and so on. The Advance Auto Parts website or a parts associate will tell you how many coils your vehicle uses when you enter your year, make, and model.
What is the difference between an ignition coil and a coil pack?
A coil pack is a single unit that contains multiple ignition coils built together. Some vehicles use individual coils that bolt on one at a time, while others use a coil pack that must be replaced as a whole. Your vehicle's design determines which one you need. The Advance Auto Parts system will show you the correct type for your car.
Do I need special tools to replace an ignition coil myself?
Most ignition coils bolt on with a single bolt or clip and unplug with a straightforward connector. You usually need only a socket wrench or screwdriver. Some vehicles require removing other parts to reach the coil, which may need additional tools. Check a repair guide for your specific vehicle before you start.