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2012 FORD F-150

5.0L V8 Coyote4WDAUTOMATICgas
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs443Labor564Torque3757Fluid9DTC949Battery1Maintenance0Recalls4
ignition

Coil Pack

for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
10

This procedure covers the replacement of ignition coil packs on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including coil removal, spark plug inspection, and reinstallation.

Warnings

Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components
Do not pull on ignition coil wires; grasp only the boot or connector to prevent damage
ℹ️Spark plug anti-seize is critical on aluminum heads to prevent thread galling and seizure

Tools required

3/8 inch drive ratchet and extensionEssential
7mm socketEssential
5/8 inch spark plug socketEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Compressed air or clean rag
Dielectric grease
Anti-seize compoundEssential

Parts

  • Ignition coil pack(s) × 1 — Motorcraft DG-511 or equivalent
  • Spark plug(s) (if replacing) × 1 — Motorcraft SP-534 or equivalent

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
  2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes before proceeding
  3. Identify which coil(s) need replacement based on cylinder numbering (driver side front to rear: 1-2-3-4, passenger side front to rear: 5-6-7-8)
  4. Clear any debris from top of engine and valve cover area to prevent contamination

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect coil electrical connector
    Press down on the locking tab of the electrical connector attached to the ignition coil and pull straight up to disconnect. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
  2. 2
    Remove ignition coil hold-down bolt
    Using a 7mm socket with extension, remove the single bolt securing the ignition coil to the valve cover. Keep bolt for reinstallation.
    Torque spec
    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Remove ignition coil from spark plug well
    Grasp the coil body firmly and twist slightly while pulling straight up to break the seal. Remove the coil from the spark plug well. If resistance is felt, twist gently back and forth while pulling upward to avoid damaging the rubber boot.
    Do not use excessive force or pry tools as this may damage the coil boot or spark plug well
  4. 4
    Clean spark plug well
    Use compressed air or a clean lint-free rag to remove any debris, oil, or dirt from around the spark plug and inside the spark plug well. Inspect for signs of oil leakage from valve cover gasket.
  5. 5
    Inspect or replace spark plug
    If replacing the spark plug, use a 5/8 inch spark plug socket to remove the old plug by turning counterclockwise. Inspect plug condition and gap. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the threads of the new spark plug (avoid getting anti-seize on the electrode). Hand-thread the new spark plug into the cylinder head, then torque to specification.
    ⚠️Cross-threading spark plugs in aluminum heads can cause catastrophic engine damage requiring cylinder head replacement
    Never apply anti-seize to spark plug electrode or gap area as this will cause misfires
    Torque spec
    Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Prepare new ignition coil
    Inspect the new coil boot for damage. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside the coil boot where it contacts the spark plug terminal to ensure proper connection and ease future removal.
  7. 7
    Install new ignition coil
    Align the coil with the spark plug and push down firmly while twisting slightly to ensure the boot fully seats on the spark plug terminal. The coil should sit flush against the valve cover mounting surface.
  8. 8
    Install coil hold-down bolt
    Insert the 7mm hold-down bolt and hand-tighten, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this may crack the coil housing.
    Torque spec
    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the coil until it clicks into place. Gently tug upward to verify it is fully locked.
  10. 10
    Repeat for remaining coils
    If replacing multiple coils, repeat steps 1-9 for each affected cylinder. Work on one coil at a time to avoid mixing up cylinder positions.

Reassembly

  1. Reconnect negative battery cable and tighten securely
  2. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes from the vehicle computer using a scan tool if available

Verification

  • Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without misfires or rough idle
  • Check that Check Engine Light does not illuminate after 30 seconds of running
  • Rev engine to 2000-2500 RPM briefly and confirm smooth operation across all cylinders
  • Visually inspect all coil connections to ensure connectors are fully seated and secure
  • Test drive vehicle and verify normal acceleration and power delivery without hesitation

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