How to Replace Kia Ignition Coils
Learn how to replace the ignition coil on Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Changing the ignition coil on Kia and Hyundai four-cylinder engines is very easy.
You can change Kia ignition coils in less than one hour and save hundreds of dollars.
What you will need
The tools needed to replace the ignition coils Kia / Hyundai completely include:
- Hyundai ignition coil
- Flathead screwdriver,
- Metric socket set,
- Must have a 10mm socket
- 3/8″ extension (optional)
- 3/8″ drive ratchet
Procedure
- Let the engine cool down—Make sure the engine has cooled down. We recommend disconnecting the negative terminal from the battery. Remember never to touch ignition coils or spark plug wires when the engine is on. Ignition coils generate a high voltage that can be hazardous and even cause death.
- Remove the engine cover. The cover pulls right up. It is held in place with four tabs and pins, and there are no screws you need to worry about.
- Identify the ignition coil. Locate the faulty ignition coil. Cylinders are numbered from one to four, one starting on the passenger side and cylinder four on the driver side. If you had a P0301 misfire code, cylinder one plug or ignition coil ONE is defective. If you had a P0302 misfire code, cylinder TWO plug or ignition coil is defective.
- Before you remove the spark plug wires, we recommend that you label the wires so that you will be able to connect the wires to the correct ignition coil. Remove the plug wires by squeezing on the lock tabs and pulling them up until they come off of the coil, as shown in the video. Move the wires off to either side of the coil to get them out.
- Remove ignition coil – The coil is held on with one 10mm bolt. Remove the bolt using the 10 mm sockets and ratchet. You can now pull the coil up and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the new ignition coil. Carefully place the new ignition coil in, ensuring it is seated properly on top of the spark plug. Secure it with the bolt using the socket and ratchet. Press the spark plug wires into the ignition coil until you hear it click/lock.
If you are replacing all of the coils, make the ignition coil connectors go back into the same coils as before, which means don’t change the order of the electrical connectors.
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- Torque Specifications: 3.9 ~ 5.9N.m (0.4 ~ 0.6kgf.m, 2.9 ~ 4.3lb-ft)
- Using safety glasses and gloves while replacing the ignition coils is recommended.
- Ensure your engine has cooled down, or you risk getting burned by hot engine parts.
- The engine should be off when you replace the ignition coils.
How much does it cost to replace a Kia/Hyundai ignition coil?
You can replace a Kia / Hyundai single ignition coil for under $30. Replacing the ignition coils at a shop will cost between $250 and $550.
Can I replace a Kia / Hyundai ignition coil myself?
Yes. Replacing a Kia or Hyundai ignition coil is very easy.
This guide is specifically for any Kia / Hyundai Theta II engine vehicle. Replacing the ignition coil on your Hyundai / Kia 4-cylinder engine is easy.
A four-cylinder Kia / Hyundai engine is popular and used in many other models. The engine cover may look different, but the procedures for replacing the ignition coils are still the same.
For more tutorials to help you save money on auto repair, check out the Vehicle Repair Guides section and the post on how to read and clear fault codes yourself.
The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear all fault codes on every control module of your Kia vehicle and supports all make and models.
References
- Kia Soul Ignition Coil Replacement Cost Estimate – RepairPal
- Kia Rio Ignition Coil Replacement Costs – YourMechanic
- Ignition Coil Removal | 2.0 Engine | Kia Soul Forums
My Hyundai Sonata was shaking very bad under acceleration. At first I thought it was a bad spark plug. It turned out to be a bad ignition coil. Followed these instructions and changed the bad coil in less than 30 minutes