ignition

Ignition Coil - Single

for 2009 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L V12 · RWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.2 h

Tools

Steps

✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

This procedure replaces a single ignition coil on the 2009 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L V12 engine, requiring access to the engine cover and coil pack mounted directly on the spark plug.

Warnings

⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before working on ignition system. Hot components can cause severe burns.

⚠Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 10 minutes before working on ignition system to prevent electric shock and prevent airbag deployment.

⚠Do not drop anything into spark plug wells. Foreign objects can cause catastrophic engine damage.

ℹ️The DB9 V12 has 12 individual coil-on-plug ignition coils. Identify the correct cylinder before beginning work.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

Torx driver set (T20, T25, T30)Essential

5mm Allen/hex driverEssential

Spark plug socket (14mm or 5/8")

Torque wrench (5-20 Nm range)Essential

Compressed air or clean shop towels

Anti-seize compoundEssential

Dielectric grease

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Parts

Ignition coil × 1 — Use OEM Aston Martin or NGK equivalent
Spark plug (if replacement needed) × 1 — NGK BKR7EIX or OEM equivalent

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 10 minutes
Identify which cylinder requires coil replacement (bank and cylinder number)
Gather all tools and parts before beginning work

Procedure

1
Remove engine cover
Remove the engine cover by releasing the mounting points. The cover fastening method and count should be verified against factory documentation before removal (the 2009 DB9 cover may use quick-release clips, grommets, or threaded fasteners). Lift the cover straight up to disengage from mounting posts. Set aside in a clean area.
2
Locate target ignition coil
Identify the ignition coil for the affected cylinder. The V12 engine has 6 cylinders per bank (left and right). Coil arrangement should be verified against factory documentation; the DB9 V12 uses an individual coil-on-plug for each of the 12 cylinders (one plug per cylinder). Confirm coil-to-plug layout before proceeding. Clear any debris from around the target coil area using compressed air or a clean cloth. Note: The V12 engine has 6 cylinders per bank (left and right). This engine uses a coil-on-plug system with one ignition coil and one spark plug per cylinder (12 coils, 12 plugs total); verify the specific coil arrangement for the affected cylinder against Aston Martin service documentation before proceeding. Note: The V12 engine has 6 cylinders per bank (left and right). This engine uses a single spark plug per cylinder (12 plugs total) with individual coil-on-plug coils; verify the exact coil configuration for the affected cylinder against Aston Martin service documentation before proceeding.
3
Disconnect coil electrical connector
Locate the electrical connector on the ignition coil. Press the release tab on the connector and pull straight up to disconnect. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself. If connector is stiff, gently rock side-to-side while pulling upward.
4
Remove ignition coil mounting bolt
Using the correct driver (verify exact fastener type against factory service documentation before beginning), remove the single mounting bolt securing the ignition coil to the valve cover. Keep the bolt in a safe location for reinstallation. Note: Remove the single mounting fastener securing the ignition coil (verify exact fastener type and size against factory documentation for the 2009 DB9 before proceeding). Note: Using the correct fastener driver (verify exact fastener type and size against Aston Martin service documentation for the 2009 DB9 6.0L V12), remove the single mounting bolt securing the ignition coil to the valve cover.
Torque spec
Ignition Coil Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5
Extract ignition coil
Grasp the ignition coil firmly and pull straight up with steady pressure. The coil boot seals into the spark plug well and may require moderate force to break the seal. Twist gently while pulling if the coil resists removal. Do not rock side-to-side excessively as this can damage the boot or spark plug.
6
Inspect spark plug well
Inspect the spark plug well for oil, coolant, or debris. If oil is present, this indicates a valve cover gasket or tube seal failure that should be addressed. Clean any debris from the well using compressed air. Inspect the spark plug top for damage or excessive wear.
7
Inspect or replace spark plug (optional)
If spark plug replacement is needed while the coil is removed, use a spark plug socket to remove the plug. Do not apply anti-seize to modern plated spark plug threads unless specifically directed by the plug manufacturer. Install new spark plug hand-tight, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. Note: Do not apply anti-seize unless specified by the plug/vehicle manufacturer (most modern plated plugs are installed dry). Install new spark plug hand-tight, then torque to the manufacturer's specification using a torque wrench. Note: Do not apply anti-seize to the spark plug threads unless specifically required by the plug manufacturer; modern plated-thread plugs are designed to be installed dry, and anti-seize can cause over-torquing and thread damage in the aluminum head. Note: Use OEM Aston Martin spark plug — verify exact part number, heat range, and reach against factory service documentation for the 2009 DB9 6.0L V12 before ordering
Torque spec
Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
8
Prepare new ignition coil
Remove new ignition coil from packaging. Inspect the coil boot for damage. Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the inside of the coil boot to ensure good seal and ease future removal. Ensure the coil spring contact is clean and properly seated.
9
Install new ignition coil
Align the new ignition coil with the spark plug well. Insert the coil straight down, ensuring the boot seats fully onto the spark plug terminal. Apply firm downward pressure until the coil mounting hole aligns with the valve cover threaded hole. The coil should sit flush against the valve cover surface.
10
Install coil mounting bolt
Insert the coil mounting bolt and thread by hand to avoid cross-threading. Using a torque wrench and the correct driver (verify exact fastener type against factory service documentation), torque the bolt to the factory-specified value. Do not overtighten as this can crack the coil housing.
Torque spec
Ignition Coil Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11
Reconnect electrical connector
Align the electrical connector with the coil terminal. Press firmly until you hear or feel a positive click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12
Reinstall engine cover
Position the engine cover over the mounting posts. Align all mounting points and press down firmly at each corner until the quick-release fasteners or grommets fully engage. Ensure the cover is seated evenly and securely.
13
Reconnect battery and clear codes
Reconnect the battery negative terminal. If a check engine light was present, it may be necessary to clear diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner. Start the engine and verify smooth operation.