How Much Does An Ignition Coil Replacement Cost in the UK?

The ignition coil in a vehicle is an important part of the ignition system. It is responsible for providing the high voltage necessary to fire the spark plugs. The coil is usually located near the engine and is powered by the battery. The ignition coil is basically a transformer that steps up the low voltage from the battery to the high voltage needed to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders.

Over time, the coil can wear out, causing the engine to misfire. If your car is having problems starting or the engine is misfiring, it’s worth checking with a mechanic as it may require an ignition coil replacement.

How much does it cost to replace an ignition coil?

The average cost of replacing an ignition coil is £150, with prices ranging from £70 and £220. When more than one ignition coil needs to be replaced, the price will vary based on the number of parts and the amount of time required to complete the job.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of an ignition coil replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of an ignition coil replacement.

Average cost of an ignition coil replacement by location

In some cases, if the faulty ignition coil has caused damage to other parts such as the spark plugs, then those will need to be inspected and replaced if needed to ensure optimum performance. The exact price of the ignition coil replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for an ignition coil replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for ignition coil repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for an ignition coil replacement for your car.

Average cost of an ignition coil replacement by manufacturer

Signs your ignition coil needs a replacement

• Difficulty starting the car
• Engine misfires
• Reduced engine power/ poor fuel economy
• Poor acceleration
• Sputtering sounds at start
• Excessive vibrations
• Check engine light on

Reduced engine power

The absence of a spark and the failure to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber means the cylinder cannot generate power.

Poor fuel economy

You can expect fuel economy to decline and engine performance to decrease if one or more coils are faulty, which is more noticeable during acceleration.

Engine misfires

The ignition coil is responsible for providing the spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture in the engine. If the coil is not functioning as it should, the spark will be weak or nonexistent, and the engine will misfire.

Check engine light is on

One of the reasons for the check engine light to illuminate on the dashboard is an issue with the ignition coil as it is a major component
of the ignition system.

Car won't start

A faulty ignition coil will not provide enough voltage to the spark plugs to ignite the fuel in the cylinders.

Frequently asked questions about ignition coil repair cost

Can I drive with a damaged ignition coil?

A vehicle can run with a damaged ignition coil, but will likely run less efficiently and may display the check engine light. In addition to the risk of causing damage to other parts of the ignition system and catalytic converter, a faulty ignition coil can cause misfires and may result in the car getting stalled rendering the vehicle inoperable.

It is best to get the ignition coil checked and replaced as soon as possible.

Is it worth changing the ignition coil?

Yes, if an ignition coil is producing low voltage, or if it’s worn out and no longer functioning, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, your spark plugs won’t receive enough electrical current, and your car will misfire, stall or won’t start at all. An ignition problem that causes misfires can cause irreparable damage to the catalytic converter, which is very expensive to fix.

An ignition coil change is not too expensive and is worth it considering it is such an integral part of the ignition and electrical system.

Can I replace the ignition coil myself?

Replacing an ignition coil is not a difficult job for a trained technician, and most people with mechanical and electrical experience can do it. However, it involves working with high voltages which can be very dangerous to work with, especially if you have no experience as a mechanic at all. It’s recommended you seek a mechanic’s help to ensure the ignition coil is replaced properly.

Should you replace spark plugs when you replace ignition coils?

The spark plugs are the point at which the electrical current from the ignition coil is discharged, so they may be damaged by a faulty ignition coil. Either way, it is recommended to get the spark plugs checked thoroughly as sometimes worn-out spark plugs are what cause the ignition coil to fail.

How long does an ignition coil replacement take?

An ignition coil or coil pack replacement usually takes around 1 hour, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

What else could be the problem if my ignition coil isn’t broken?

If you’re experiencing starting issues and have ruled out the ignition coil as the fault then it could be one or more of the following:

• Spark plugs - worn or damaged spark plugs can lead to poor combustion, misfires, and engine performance problems
• Starter motor - difficulty starting the car along with a clicking sound could point to a malfunctioning starter motor
• Fuel system - faulty fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, or fuel pump can affect the air-fuel mixture which can lead to performance issues
• Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) malfunction - faulty TPS can lead to poor engine performance
• Other mechanical issues -

What happens during an ignition coil replacement?

• Mechanic will read the ECU for possible fault codes related to the ignition system.
• Mechanic will inspect the ignition system and spark plugs.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the ignition coil pack(s)
• Mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
• Mechanic will check if the ignition system works correctly again and will test drive the car.