ignition
Ignition Coil - Single
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
6
Steps
11
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a single ignition coil on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L turbocharged engine.
Warnings
⚠Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes before starting work to avoid burns from hot components
⚠Never force ignition coil removal - coils can seize to spark plugs and break if pulled aggressively
ℹ️Cylinders are numbered 1-4 from timing belt side (passenger side) to firewall side (driver side)
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension bar (6-inch)Essential
Torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)Essential
Dielectric grease
Anti-seize compoundEssential
Spark plug socket (14mm or 16mm)
Parts
- Ignition coil × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification for 1.5T engine
- Spark plug (if replacing) × 1 — NGK or Denso OEM equivalent
Preparation
- Ensure engine is cool to the touch
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
- Locate the faulty coil - coils are mounted directly on top of the engine valve cover
Procedure
- 1Remove engine coverGrasp the engine cover firmly and pull upward with steady pressure to disengage the rubber mounting grommets. The cover is not bolted and should release with moderate force. Set aside in a clean area.
- 2Disconnect ignition coil electrical connectorLocate the electrical connector on the side of the ignition coil. Press down on the locking tab while pulling the connector straight away from the coil. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
- 3Remove ignition coil mounting boltUsing a 10mm socket and extension, remove the single bolt securing the ignition coil to the valve cover. Keep this bolt in a safe place for reinstallation.Torque specIgnition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 4Extract ignition coil from valve coverGrasp the ignition coil body firmly and pull straight upward with a gentle twisting motion. If resistance is felt, twist slightly left and right while pulling - do not force. The coil boot may stick to the spark plug. If the coil won't release after moderate effort, spray penetrating oil around the base and wait 10 minutes before trying again.⚠Excessive force can break the coil boot or damage the spark plug ceramic insulator
- 5Inspect coil boot and spark plug wellExamine the rubber boot on the old coil for cracks, oil contamination, or carbon tracking. Look inside the spark plug well with a flashlight for any oil accumulation, debris, or moisture. If oil is present, valve cover gasket replacement may be needed. Clean any debris from the well using compressed air.
- 6Inspect spark plug condition (optional)If replacing the spark plug or inspecting for diagnosis, use a spark plug socket to remove the plug. Check electrode wear and gap. Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of the new spark plug before installation. Thread in by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then torque to specification.Torque specSpark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
- 7Prepare new ignition coilApply a thin coating of dielectric grease to the inside of the new coil boot. This prevents moisture intrusion and makes future removal easier. Do not apply grease to the coil terminals or electrical connector.
- 8Install new ignition coilAlign the new coil with the spark plug well and push down firmly with a slight twisting motion until the coil seats completely on the valve cover. You should feel the boot click onto the spark plug terminal. The coil mounting hole should align with the threaded hole in the valve cover.
- 9Install and torque coil mounting boltThread the 10mm mounting bolt by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to specification. Do not overtighten as this can crack the coil housing.Torque specIgnition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 10Reconnect electrical connectorPush the electrical connector onto the ignition coil until you hear and feel a distinct click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked in place.
- 11Reinstall engine coverAlign the engine cover mounting grommets with the posts on the engine. Press down firmly on all corners until the cover snaps into place and sits flush.
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
- Verify engine cover is properly secured on all mounting points
- Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the engine bay
Verification
- Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without misfires or rough idle
- Check for diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner - all ignition-related codes should be cleared
- Listen for any abnormal clicking or arcing sounds from the coil area
- Verify the check engine light does not illuminate after several minutes of running
- Test drive the vehicle to confirm smooth acceleration under load