Ignition Coils - All

This procedure replaces all ten ignition coils on the 2008 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10 engine, including removal of the engine cover and upper plenum access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Ignition coil (individual coil-on-plug) × 10 — Use OEM Mopar or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
4. Remove engine cover by releasing quick-release fasteners (typically 4 corner fasteners)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove intake manifold beauty cover
   Remove the upper engine cover assembly that conceals the intake plenum. Release the quick-disconnect fasteners at each corner by twisting counterclockwise or pulling upward depending on fastener type. Lift the cover straight up to clear the coil towers and set aside.
2. 2

   Disconnect air intake tube
   Loosen the hose clamp at the throttle body inlet using an 8mm socket or flathead screwdriver. Disconnect any breather hoses or vacuum lines attached to the intake tube. Remove the intake tube assembly to improve access to the front coils.
3. 3

   Label and document coil positions
   Using a phone camera or labels, document the cylinder numbering and coil positions. Cylinders are numbered 1-2-3-4-5 on the driver side (left bank) and 6-7-8-9-10 on the passenger side (right bank), front to rear. This ensures correct installation tracking.
4. 4

   Disconnect coil electrical connectors
   Starting with cylinder 1, press the locking tab on each coil connector and pull straight up to disconnect. Work methodically through all 10 cylinders. Some connectors may require sliding a safety lock tab aside before pressing the main release. Keep connectors away from spark plug wells.
5. 5

   Remove coil mounting fasteners
   Each coil is secured by a single T30 Torx bolt at the top of the coil tower. Remove the mounting bolt from each of the 10 coils using a T30 Torx driver. Some coils may require a 6" extension to reach comfortably. Store bolts in a container to prevent loss.
6. 6

   Extract ignition coils
   Grasp each coil firmly and pull straight upward with steady pressure. The coil boot forms a tight seal on the spark plug and may require moderate force to release. Twist slightly while pulling if resistance is encountered. Avoid jerking motions that could damage the spark plug ceramic. Remove all 10 coils and set aside.
7. 7

   Inspect spark plug wells and plugs
   Use compressed air to blow out any debris from each spark plug well. Inspect for oil or coolant accumulation which may indicate valve cover gasket or other seal failure. Visually inspect the top of each spark plug for damage or abnormal deposits. If oil is present, address the leak before proceeding.
8. 8

   Inspect old coils and boots
   Examine the rubber boot on each old coil for cracks, tears, carbon tracking, or oil contamination. Check the coil towers for carbon deposits or evidence of arcing. This inspection helps identify potential underlying issues and confirms replacement necessity.
9. 9

   Prepare new ignition coils
   Unpack all 10 new coils and verify they match the original coil design and connector type. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the inside of each coil boot where it contacts the spark plug terminal. This aids future removal and prevents moisture intrusion.
10. 10

    Install new ignition coils
    Starting with cylinder 1, align the new coil over the spark plug and push down firmly until the boot seats completely on the plug terminal. You should feel a definite click or seating. The coil mounting hole must align with the corresponding threaded mounting boss. Install all 10 coils in the same manner, ensuring each is fully seated before installing mounting bolts.
11. 11

    Install coil mounting fasteners
    Thread each T30 Torx mounting bolt by hand first to prevent cross-threading. Tighten all 10 coil mounting bolts snugly but do not overtorque. The bolts thread into aluminum cylinder heads and typically require only 70-90 in-lbs (hand-tight plus 1/4 turn with short driver). Work in a systematic pattern to ensure none are missed.
12. 12

    Reconnect coil electrical connectors
    Push each electrical connector onto its corresponding coil until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify each connection by gently pulling on the connector body—it should not release without pressing the tab. Double-check that all 10 cylinders are connected and no connectors are left loose.
13. 13

    Reinstall air intake tube
    Position the intake tube onto the throttle body inlet and tighten the hose clamp securely using an 8mm socket. Reconnect any breather hoses or vacuum lines that were disconnected. Ensure the tube is properly seated with no air leaks.
14. 14

    Reinstall engine cover
    Position the upper engine cover over the coil towers and align with the mounting fasteners. Press down firmly at each quick-release fastener location until each locks into place. Verify the cover is secure and seated evenly.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect battery negative terminal and tighten securely
2. Verify all tools and shop towels have been removed from engine bay
3. Double-check that all 10 coil connectors are fully seated and locked

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify no check engine light for coil circuit codes
• Start engine and listen for smooth idle with no misfires or rough running
• With engine running, verify no arcing sounds or visible sparks around coil towers
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and confirm smooth operation under light throttle
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes to confirm no misfire or ignition system faults are present

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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