2012 FORD F-150

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

Ignition Coils - All

for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
10

Complete replacement of all eight ignition coils on the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including removal of necessary engine covers and spark plug access.

Warnings

⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Hot engine components can cause severe burns.
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes before proceeding to prevent accidental deployment of airbags or electrical shorts.
Do not pull on ignition coil wires when disconnecting. Pull only on the connector body to avoid damaging terminals.
ℹ️Mark or photograph ignition coil connector positions before removal to ensure correct reinstallation sequence.

Tools required

3/8-inch drive ratchet and extension setEssential
7mm socketEssential
8mm socketEssential
10mm socketEssential
5/8-inch spark plug socket with rubber insertEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Dielectric greaseEssential
Anti-seize compoundEssential
Compressed air or vacuum
Magnetic pickup tool

Parts

  • Ignition coil × 8 — Motorcraft DG508 or equivalent
  • Spark plug × 8 — Motorcraft SP534 (iridium)

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
  2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes
  3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front and rear tabs to release retaining clips
  4. Clean area around valve covers to prevent debris from entering engine during service
  5. Label or photograph ignition coil positions (cylinders 1-8) for correct reinstallation

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove passenger side upper engine cover bracket
    On the passenger side of the engine, locate the upper engine cover support bracket. Remove the mounting bolts securing the bracket to the valve cover using a 10mm socket. Set bracket aside.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Access passenger side ignition coils (cylinders 1-4)
    Remove the plastic ignition coil cover screws on the passenger side valve cover using an 8mm socket. Lift the cover away to expose ignition coils for cylinders 1, 2, 3, and 4 (front to rear).
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Remove passenger side ignition coils
    For each coil on the passenger side: Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector by pulling straight up on the connector body (not the wire). Remove the single 7mm ignition coil bolt. Firmly grasp the coil body and twist gently while pulling straight up to remove. If stuck, use a gentle rocking motion but do not pry.
    Coils may be stuck due to heat cycling. Do not use excessive force or pry against valve cover to avoid damage.
    Torque spec
    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Remove passenger side spark plugs
    Use compressed air or vacuum to clean debris from around each spark plug well. Using a 5/8-inch spark plug socket with extension, carefully remove all four spark plugs from the passenger side. Inspect threads in cylinder head for damage or carbon buildup.
  5. 5
    Access driver side ignition coils (cylinders 5-8)
    Move to the driver side of the engine. Remove the plastic ignition coil cover screws on the driver side valve cover using an 8mm socket. Lift the cover away to expose ignition coils for cylinders 5, 6, 7, and 8 (front to rear).
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Remove driver side ignition coils
    For each coil on the driver side: Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector by pulling straight up on the connector body. Remove the single 7mm ignition coil bolt. Firmly grasp the coil body and twist gently while pulling straight up to remove.
    Torque spec
    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Remove driver side spark plugs
    Use compressed air or vacuum to clean debris from around each spark plug well on the driver side. Using a 5/8-inch spark plug socket with extension, carefully remove all four spark plugs. Inspect all eight old spark plugs for wear patterns, oil fouling, or abnormal deposits that may indicate engine issues.
  8. 8
    Install new spark plugs
    Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads of each new spark plug (avoid getting anti-seize on the electrode). Hand-thread each spark plug into the cylinder head to prevent cross-threading. Torque all eight spark plugs to specification using a torque wrench.
    Cross-threading spark plugs in aluminum heads can cause expensive damage. Always start threading by hand and ensure smooth engagement before using tools.
    Torque spec
    Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Install new ignition coils
    Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the inside of each new ignition coil boot where it contacts the spark plug ceramic insulator. Install each coil by aligning it over the spark plug and pushing down firmly until it seats completely. Install and torque the 7mm retaining bolt for each coil. Connect each electrical connector until it clicks into place.
    ℹ️Ensure coils are fully seated before tightening bolts. An improperly seated coil will cause misfires.
    Torque spec
    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reinstall covers and brackets
    Reinstall both driver and passenger side ignition coil covers, torquing the cover screws to specification. Reinstall the passenger side upper engine cover support bracket and torque mounting bolts. Reinstall the main engine cover by aligning clips and pressing down until secured. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
  2. Ensure all covers and brackets are properly secured
  3. Confirm no tools or parts were left in engine bay

Verification

  • Reconnect battery and turn ignition to ON position without starting. Check for dashboard warning lights
  • Start engine and listen for smooth idle with no misfires or rough running
  • Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no misfire codes are present
  • Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm no pending or active misfire codes (P0300-P0308)
  • Perform a test drive under various loads to ensure proper acceleration and no hesitation

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