Ignition Control Module

This procedure covers replacement of the ignition control module (igniter) on the 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L turbo engine, which controls spark timing and coil operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Ignition control module (igniter) × 1 — 30520-5AA-A02 or equivalent OEM
• Engine cover clips (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes if recently operated
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for system discharge

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover
   Grasp the engine cover firmly at the front corners and pull upward to release the four retaining clips. Lift the cover away from the engine bay and set aside. Inspect clips for damage and replace if broken.
2. 2

   Remove ignition coil cover
   Locate the ignition coil cover on the front of the cylinder head. Remove the four cover screws using a 10mm socket. Carefully lift the cover straight up to clear the ignition coils and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect ignition coil connectors
   Press the locking tab on each of the four ignition coil electrical connectors and pull straight up to disconnect. Note the orientation of each connector for reassembly. Move the harness aside to access the coils.
4. 4

   Remove ignition coils
   Remove the single 10mm bolt securing each ignition coil. There are four coils total. Grasp each coil firmly and pull straight up with a twisting motion to break the seal. If coils are stuck, use a gentle rocking motion but do not pry against the valve cover.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Locate ignition control module
   The ignition control module is mounted on a bracket near the ignition coil area on the intake side of the engine. It is a rectangular black box with a multi-pin connector. Trace the wiring harness from the ignition coils to locate the module if needed.
6. 6

   Disconnect module electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the ignition control module connector and pull the connector straight out from the module. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage.
   ⚠Connector pins are delicate - do not force or bend pins during disconnection
7. 7

   Remove module mounting hardware
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the ignition control module to its bracket using a 10mm socket. Note the orientation and position of the module for installation of the replacement unit.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove old ignition control module
   Carefully lift the ignition control module away from the mounting bracket. Check that no additional wiring clips or ties are still attached. Inspect the mounting area for corrosion or debris and clean if necessary.
9. 9

   Install new ignition control module
   Position the new ignition control module onto the mounting bracket, ensuring it is oriented correctly and aligned with the mounting holes. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the electrical connector pins if desired for corrosion protection.
10. 10

    Secure module to bracket
    Install the mounting bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the module is seated flush against the bracket before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect module electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the ignition control module until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall ignition coils
    Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of each ignition coil boot. Insert each coil straight down into its spark plug well, ensuring proper seating. Install the retaining bolt for each coil and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect ignition coil connectors
    Push each ignition coil electrical connector onto its respective coil until the locking tab clicks. Verify each connection is secure. Route the harness to avoid pinching or contact with hot components.
14. 14

    Reinstall ignition coil cover
    Position the ignition coil cover over the coils, ensuring it seats properly. Install the four cover screws and tighten to specification in a criss-cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing down firmly at each corner until clips engage
2. Reconnect negative battery terminal and tighten securely
3. Reset clock and radio presets as needed
4. Perform window auto-up/down recalibration if necessary: fully open and close each window three times with switch held

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify no warning lights remain illuminated after initial bulb check
• Start the engine and verify smooth idle with no misfires or rough running
• Check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner
• Rev engine to 3000 RPM and release - engine should return to smooth idle without hesitation
• Test drive vehicle through various load conditions to confirm normal operation and acceleration
• Verify no check engine light illumination after test drive

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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