ignition
Ignition Coils - All
for 2002 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 · RWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
3.6 h
Tools
8
Steps
15
✓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 all ten ignition coils on the 1992 Dodge Viper's 8.0L V10 engine, including removal of the intake plenum and associated components for access.
Warnings
⚠️Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait at least 2 minutes before beginning work to allow residual electrical charge to dissipate.
⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning this procedure. Aluminum cylinder heads and intake components retain heat and can cause burns.
⚠The 1992 Viper uses individual coil-on-plug ignition. Mixing up coil positions or spark plug wire routing can cause misfire and engine damage.
ℹ️This procedure requires removal of the intake plenum. New gaskets are required and should be obtained before starting.
Tools required
Socket set (metric)Essential
Ratchet and extensionsEssential
Torque wrench (5-30 Nm range)Essential
Spark plug socket (5/8 inch)Essential
Anti-seize compoundEssential
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Parts
- Ignition coil × 10 — Use OEM specification
- Spark plug × 10 — Champion RC12LYC or equivalent
- Intake plenum gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Throttle body gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
- Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery post
- Remove engine cover if equipped
- Label all vacuum lines, electrical connectors, and coil positions with tape or marker to ensure correct reinstallation
- Relieve any residual fuel system pressure by loosening fuel cap
Procedure
- 1Disconnect throttle cable and remove air intake componentsDisconnect the throttle cable from the throttle body by removing the cable end from the throttle lever and unclipping the cable housing from the bracket. Remove the air intake tube by loosening the clamps at the throttle body and air box, then remove the entire air intake assembly. Set aside in a clean area.
- 2Disconnect vacuum lines and electrical connectorsDisconnect all vacuum lines connected to the intake plenum, noting their positions (use labels if needed). Disconnect the MAP sensor electrical connector, IAC valve connector, and TPS connector from the throttle body. Disconnect the fuel injector harness connectors on both cylinder banks.
- 3Remove throttle bodyRemove the 4 throttle body mounting bolts and carefully lift the throttle body away from the intake plenum. Remove and discard the old throttle body gasket. Cover the plenum opening with a clean rag to prevent debris entry.
- 4Disconnect fuel railDisconnect the fuel supply and return lines from the fuel rail using appropriate line disconnect tools. Remove the fuel rail mounting bolts (2 per side, 4 total) and carefully lift the fuel rail with injectors attached away from the intake manifold. Support the fuel rail assembly to prevent strain on injector connectors.
- 5Remove intake plenumRemove the 10 intake plenum mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern starting from the outer bolts and working inward. Carefully lift the plenum away from the intake manifold runners. Remove and discard the old plenum gasket. Cover the intake runners with clean rags to prevent debris entry.
- 6Remove ignition coils from left cylinder bankStarting with cylinder 1 (front left), disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition coil by pressing the release tab and pulling away. Remove the single ignition coil bolt securing the coil to the valve cover. Carefully pull the coil straight up to extract it from the spark plug well. Repeat this process for cylinders 3, 5, 7, and 9 (all left bank cylinders).
- 7Remove ignition coils from right cylinder bankRepeat the coil removal process for the right cylinder bank (cylinders 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10). Disconnect the electrical connector, remove the mounting bolt, and extract each coil from its spark plug well. Inspect each coil boot for damage or carbon tracking.
- 8Remove spark plugsUsing a 5/8 inch spark plug socket with extension, remove all 10 spark plugs. Inspect each plug for wear, fouling, or abnormal deposits. Note any cylinders showing unusual conditions for further diagnosis. Keep spark plugs organized by cylinder number if inspecting for troubleshooting purposes.
- 9Install new spark plugsInstall spark plugs per the plug manufacturer's instructions (many modern plated plugs specify NO anti-seize). If anti-seize is used on aluminum heads, reduce torque accordingly. Hand-thread each plug to avoid cross-threading. Hand-thread each spark plug into its cylinder to prevent cross-threading. Torque all spark plugs to specification using a torque wrench.
- 10Install new ignition coilsApply a thin coating of dielectric grease to the inside of each new coil boot to aid in future removal and prevent moisture intrusion. Install each new coil by aligning it with the spark plug and pressing down firmly until it seats completely. Install the coil mounting bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector to each coil, ensuring a positive click. Install all coils for both cylinder banks.
- 11Reinstall intake plenumRemove the protective rags from the intake runners. Position the new intake plenum gasket on the intake manifold, ensuring all bolt holes and port openings align correctly. Carefully lower the plenum into position, aligning all mounting bolt holes. Install all 10 plenum bolts finger-tight, then torque in a crisscross pattern from center outward to specification.
- 12Reinstall fuel rail and throttle bodyPosition the fuel rail assembly back onto the intake manifold, ensuring all injectors seat properly into their bores. Install and torque the fuel rail mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect the fuel supply and return lines. Install a new throttle body gasket, position the throttle body, and install the mounting bolts. Torque the throttle body bolts to specification.
- 13Reconnect all electrical and vacuum connectionsReconnect all electrical connectors: fuel injector harnesses, MAP sensor, IAC valve, and TPS. Reconnect all vacuum lines to their original positions using your labels as reference. Ensure all connections are secure and fully seated.
- 14Reinstall air intake and throttle cableReinstall the air intake assembly, ensuring all clamps are tight at the throttle body and air box. Reconnect the throttle cable to the throttle lever and secure the cable housing in its bracket. Verify throttle operates smoothly through full range of motion. Replace engine cover if equipped.
- 15Reconnect battery and perform initial startReconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition key to the ON position (without starting) for 5 seconds to prime the fuel system, then turn off. Repeat this 2 more times. Start the engine and allow it to idle. Monitor for smooth operation, unusual noises, or warning lights.
Reassembly
- All reassembly steps are included in the main procedure steps
- Verify all electrical connectors have been reconnected and clicked into place
- Double-check that all vacuum lines are connected to their original positions
- Ensure no tools or rags were left in the engine compartment
Verification
- Engine should start and idle smoothly without misfires or rough running
- Check for fuel leaks around fuel rail connections
- Check for vacuum leaks by listening for hissing sounds around intake plenum and throttle body
- Verify throttle response is smooth and immediate with no hesitation
- If available, use a scan tool to check for any misfire codes or ignition system faults
- Test drive vehicle to confirm normal acceleration and no check engine light illumination
Related trouble codes on this vehicle
Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.
P0300Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire DetectedP0301Cylinder 1 Misfire DetectedP0310Cylinder 10 Misfire DetectedP0311Cylinder 11 Misfire DetectedP0320Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input CircuitP0321Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Range/PerformanceP0350Ignition Coil Primary/Secondary Circuit MalfunctionP0351Ignition Coil A Primary/Secondary Circuit MalfunctionP0360Ignition Coil J Primary/Secondary Circuit MalfunctionP0361Ignition Coil K Primary/Secondary Circuit MalfunctionP1398Misfire Adaptive Numerator At LimitP2300Ignition Coil A Secondary Circuit Insufficient Ionization
Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →