Ignition, fuel and air
Ignition coil replacement (one coil): what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $30 | $120 |
| Labor: 0.4 to 1.2 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $50 | $210 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $80 | $350 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
An ignition coil sends the spark to a cylinder. A bad one causes a misfire, flashing check engine light, rough idle and poor power.
What is usually included
- New ignition coil
- Inspect spark plug for that cylinder
- Clear misfire codes
- Test drive
What moves the price
- Coil-on-plug versus coil pack
- Coil hidden under intake parts
- Plugs replaced at the same time
- Aftermarket versus OEM coil
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Did you confirm which cylinder misfires?
- Should the plug be replaced too?
- Do you recommend replacing all coils?
- Is there a warranty on the coil, and can I keep the old one?
Can you do it yourself?
An easy DIY on most engines; swap one coil with another to see whether the misfire follows it.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
What does a failing coil feel like?
The engine shakes or stumbles, especially under load, and a check engine light may flash. A code like P0301 to P0308 points to the cylinder that misfires.
Should I replace all the coils?
One is enough if the others test fine. Some shops suggest all on high-mileage engines to avoid repeat trips.
Why do plugs matter?
Worn plugs strain coils and can cause them to fail early. Replacing both together is common.
How much does ignition coil replacement (one coil) cost?
A typical range in Boston is $80 to $350. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $80 to $350 |
| New York City area | $75 to $340 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $75 to $340 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $75 to $330 |
| Houston area, Texas | $70 to $310 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $70 to $310 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $70 to $320 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $75 to $330 |
| Miami area, Florida | $70 to $320 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $80 to $340 |
Check-engine codes that lead to this repair
More ignition, fuel and air repairs
- Fuel injector replacement (one injector)
- Fuel pump replacement
- Mass airflow sensor replacement
- Throttle body cleaning
- Throttle body replacement
- Vacuum leak repair
- PCV valve replacement
- Crankshaft position sensor replacement
- Camshaft position sensor replacement
- Coolant temperature sensor replacement
- VVT solenoid / cam phaser repair
- Turbo boost leak repair