Where to Find the Ignition Coil in a Car

In most modern cars, the ignition coil sits on top of the engine directly above each spark plug (coil-on-plug), while slightly older vehicles often have a coil pack mounted on or near the valve cover, and classic/distributor-based systems use a single coil near the distributor. The exact location varies by engine type and layout, but it’s almost always on or very close to the engine, under any plastic engine cover.

What the Ignition Coil Does and Why Its Location Varies

The ignition coil transforms battery voltage into the high voltage needed to fire the spark plugs. Automakers package coils differently to save space, reduce misfires, and improve serviceability. That’s why you might find one coil per plug (common from the mid-2000s onward), a multi-tower coil pack feeding several plugs (1990s–2000s), or a single can-style coil feeding a distributor (older vehicles). Diesel engines don’t use ignition coils at all because they ignite fuel by compression, not spark.

Typical Locations by Ignition System Type

The position of the ignition coil is closely tied to the kind of ignition setup your car uses. Below are the most common system types and where to look for the coil in each case.

• Coil-on-plug (COP): Individual coils sit directly on each spark plug, typically bolted to the top of the engine’s valve cover or cylinder head under a plastic engine cover.
• Coil-near-plug: Small coils mounted very close to each plug, often linked by short plug wires along the cylinder head.
• Coil pack (wasted-spark systems): A multi-tower pack feeding multiple cylinders, usually mounted on the valve cover, at the end of the cylinder head, or on a bracket near the engine (front or side).
• Single coil with distributor (older vehicles): A cylindrical “can” coil mounted on the engine or inner fender, with a thick high-voltage lead running to the distributor cap.
• Diesel engines: No ignition coil; instead, you may see glow plugs and a glow plug controller.

Knowing which ignition system your vehicle uses will guide your search—COP systems put coils right over each plug, while coil packs and single coils sit off to the side and feed multiple cylinders via wires.

Step-by-Step: How to Locate the Ignition Coil in Your Car

Use the following steps to find the ignition coil safely and efficiently, regardless of your vehicle’s make and model.

1. Verify engine type: If it’s a diesel, there is no ignition coil. For gasoline engines, continue.
2. Consult the owner’s manual: Look under “Ignition system,” “Spark plugs,” or the engine bay diagram.
3. Open the hood and remove any plastic engine cover: Most covers lift off after removing a few clips or 10 mm bolts.
4. Identify the cylinder head/valve cover: Look for the long cover atop the engine where spark plugs thread into the head.
5. For coil-on-plug: Look for rows of small rectangular/square modules with electrical connectors—each is a coil sitting over a spark plug.
6. For coil packs: Trace thicker spark plug wires to a compact block with multiple towers and an electrical connector.
7. For distributor-style systems: Find the distributor cap; the single ignition coil is the cylindrical unit with one thick high-voltage lead going to the distributor.
8. Check both banks on V6/V8 engines: Coils appear on each cylinder bank, often mirrored left/right.
9. Look along the engine’s front or side on transverse engines: Coil packs often mount near the radiator side or firewall side of the engine.
10. Use a flashlight to spot connectors and labels: Many coils are labeled “IGN,” “IC,” or marked by manufacturer part numbers.

Following this checklist will narrow your search from the general engine area to the exact coil location, even on tightly packaged modern engine bays.

Visual Clues That You’re Looking at the Ignition Coil

Ignition coils share common shapes and connectors. These cues help distinguish them from sensors or injectors.

• For COP: A rectangular or pencil-like module bolted over each spark plug hole, with a two- to four-pin electrical connector.
• For coil packs: A compact block with multiple high-voltage towers and a multi-pin connector; thick plug wires radiate to cylinders.
• For single coils: A metal canister or compact module with one high-voltage output and a low-voltage two-wire connector.
• Wiring harness: Coils group into a harness with clips; look for heat-resistant loom running along the valve cover.
• Mounting: Coils typically bolt to the valve cover, cylinder head, or a rigid bracket for grounding and heat management.

If you match these visual traits and follow the spark path from plug to wire to coil, you can confidently identify the ignition coil assembly.

Common Placements by Vehicle Layout

Engine orientation and cylinder count affect coil placement. Here’s where they often appear across common layouts.

• Inline-4 (transverse, front-wheel drive): COPs on top under the engine cover; coil pack may sit at the front near the radiator or at the rear near the firewall.
• Inline-4/6 (longitudinal, rear-wheel drive): COPs along the top of the head; coil pack sometimes mounted on the side of the head or front accessory bracket.
• V6/V8: COPs on each bank along the valve covers; coil packs may be split—one per bank—mounted near each cylinder head.
• Toyota/Honda/Nissan (2000s–present): Predominantly COP under a cosmetic cover; each coil is held by a small bolt and a clip-on connector.
• Ford/GM/Chrysler (late 1990s–2000s): Mix of COP and coil packs; on trucks, COPs are often visible atop each cylinder bank.

While the exact location can vary by model, recognizing your engine layout quickly narrows where to look—either centered atop the head(s) or on a nearby bracket.

Safety and Handling Notes

Taking basic precautions helps avoid damage and injury when inspecting coils.

• Work with the engine off and cool; coils and exhaust components get very hot.
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal before unplugging coils to prevent shorts.
• Use appropriate sockets (often 10 mm) and avoid pulling on wires; release connectors with their tabs.
• If removing COPs, blow away debris around plug wells first to keep dirt out of the cylinders.

These steps reduce the chance of broken connectors, electrical faults, or contamination in the spark plug wells.

When You Won’t Find an Ignition Coil

Not every vehicle has an ignition coil. Diesel vehicles don’t use one at all; they rely on glow plugs for cold starts and compression ignition. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) also lack ignition coils. Hybrids with gasoline engines still have coils; their location follows the same patterns described above.

Summary

You’ll find a car’s ignition coil on or near the top of the engine: directly over each spark plug in coil-on-plug systems, grouped as a coil pack on the valve cover or nearby bracket in many 1990s–2000s vehicles, or as a single can-style coil near the distributor on older cars. Remove any plastic engine cover, trace spark plug wires if present, and look for compact modules with electrical connectors along the cylinder head or valve cover. If it’s a diesel or a BEV, there won’t be an ignition coil at all.

What are the symptoms of a failing ignition coil?

Symptoms of a failing ignition coil include a Check Engine Light, engine misfires and rough idling, stalling, loss of power, poor fuel economy, difficulty starting the engine, and exhaust backfiring or a smell of gas. These issues occur because the coil fails to deliver enough voltage to the spark plugs, preventing proper combustion. 
Common Symptoms

• Check Engine Light: A blinking or steady Check Engine light often indicates a misfire, which is a common sign of a failing ignition coil. 
• Engine Misfires/Rough Idling: You may notice a jerky or stuttering motion while driving, or the engine may feel unstable and vibrate when idling. 
• Stalling: The engine might cut off or stall when you come to a stop. 
• Loss of Power: The vehicle may feel sluggish, especially during acceleration, due to incomplete combustion in the cylinders. 
• Poor Fuel Economy: With less efficient combustion, your car will consume more fuel, leading to lower gas mileage. 
• Difficulty Starting: The engine may crank longer or fail to start altogether. 
• Exhaust Backfiring: You might hear a sputtering or coughing sound from the engine or tailpipe. 
• Smell of Gas: An incomplete combustion process can send unignited fuel into the exhaust, creating a gas smell. 

What’s Happening Inside the Engine
A failing ignition coil cannot provide the proper voltage to the spark plug. This leads to: 

• Incomplete Combustion: The fuel-air mixture in the cylinder doesn’t ignite correctly. 
• Misfires: The spark plug fails to do its job, causing the engine to misfire. 
• Engine Performance Issues: The misfires disrupt the smooth operation of the engine, resulting in the symptoms listed above. 

Can I replace the ignition coil myself?

Yes, you can often replace an ignition coil yourself if you’re comfortable with basic car maintenance, as it’s a relatively simple DIY procedure that requires basic tools and safety precautions like disconnecting the battery. Key steps include safely removing the faulty coil by unbolting and disconnecting it, installing the new coil with a proper electrical connection, and testing the work afterward to ensure the engine runs smoothly. 
You can watch this video to see how to replace an ignition coil: 1mAutoZoneYouTube · Oct 4, 2022
What You’ll Need: 

• New ignition coil(s): for your vehicle’s make and model
• A basic tool kit: including a socket set and potentially a screwdriver
• A multimeter: for testing the new coils (optional, but recommended)
• Safety gear, such as insulated gloves

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prioritize Safety: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts before starting any work on the engine. 
2. Locate and Remove: Identify the faulty ignition coil, unbolt it, and gently pull the electrical connector off. 
3. Install the New Coil: Insert the new ignition coil into the spark plug well, making sure it’s seated correctly. Some guides recommend applying a small amount of dialectric grease to the boot to ensure a good seal and easy installation, according to this YouTube video. 
4. Secure and Connect: Replace the bolt to secure the new coil and then reattach the electrical connector firmly. 
5. Test the Connection: Reconnect the battery and start the engine to ensure the new coil is functioning correctly and the check engine light has turned off. 

This video demonstrates the process of installing a new ignition coil: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Oct 1, 2013
When to Seek Professional Help:

• If your vehicle’s engine has a complex layout, such as a sideways-mounted engine, the task can become more complicated. 
• If you encounter any challenges or are unsure about any part of the process, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. 

Where is my ignition coil located?

Your ignition coil is located on the engine, most often on top of the valve cover and directly above the spark plug, where it receives a signal from the engine computer to fire the spark plug. In older cars, the ignition coil might be inside a distributor, but in newer cars with modern electronic systems, you’ll typically find individual coil-on-plug systems, meaning each spark plug has its own coil. 
To find it:

1. Open the hood: and locate the engine. 
2. Look for the ignition coils: on top of the engine’s valve covers. They’re usually obvious because each one will be connected to a spark plug. 
3. Identify the spark plug: for the cylinder you’re interested in, and then you’ll see the ignition coil sitting directly on top of it. 

Important Considerations

• Engine cover: Opens in new tabYou might need to remove a plastic engine cover or other components to access the coils. 
• Vehicle specifics: Opens in new tabThe exact placement can vary significantly depending on your car’s make and model, so consulting your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a shop manual is the best reference. 
• Type of system: Opens in new tabOlder vehicles with a distributor will have a single coil, while modern vehicles with coil-on-plug (COP) systems will have multiple coils. 

This video shows how to locate ignition coils on a Ford F150: 44sRams to the RescueYouTube · Mar 7, 2025

Where are ignition coils found?

The location of the ignition coil varies by vehicle, but it is generally found on the engine. You may find a single coil in an older car with a distributor system, a coil pack mounted near the valve cover, or individual Coil-on-Plug (COP) units, where each coil sits directly on top of a spark plug. To find the exact location for your specific car, consult your owner’s manual or a vehicle-specific repair manual.
 
This video shows the location of ignition coils on a typical engine: 48sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Aug 12, 2022
Types of Ignition Coil Systems and Their Locations

• Older vehicles with distributors: Opens in new tabIn these cars, you’ll find a single ignition coil located either on the engine or inside the distributor itself, connected to the spark plugs by thick rubber wires. 
• Coil packs: Opens in new tabThese systems use a single coil unit that serves multiple cylinders, often found mounted on or near the valve cover. 
• Coil-on-Plug (COP): Opens in new tabThis is the most common system in modern cars, where each spark plug has its own individual coil that sits directly on top of the spark plug. 

How to Find Your Specific Ignition Coil

1. Locate the engine bay: Open the hood of your car. 
2. Identify potential covers: Look for a plastic engine cover, intake tubes, or other components that might need to be removed to gain access. 
3. Search for the specific system:
   • If you have a distributor: Trace the central wire from the distributor cap to the coil. 
   • If you have a coil pack: Look for a larger, box-like unit mounted on the engine. 
   • If you have COP: You’ll see individual coil units, each connected to a spark plug, usually on top of the valve cover. 
4. Consult your owner’s manual: For precise location and specific instructions, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a repair manual for your car’s make and model.