A Guide to Replacing Ignition Coils on Your 2007-2014 GMC Sierra
Fix engine misfires and restore performance by choosing the right new aftermarket ignition coil for your truck.
- A flashing Check Engine Light is a critical warning that requires you to stop driving to prevent expensive catalytic converter damage.
- Replacing a single ignition coil is a beginner-friendly DIY task that takes less than 30 minutes with a 10mm socket.
- For best results, choose a reputable aftermarket brand like Hitachi or Standard Ignition, or stick with OEM ACDelco/Delphi.
- Always apply dielectric grease to the coil connector and boot to prevent moisture issues, a known problem for the 2014 model year.
Is Your Sierra Running Rough? Signs of a Bad Ignition Coil
When an ignition coil fails on your 2007-2014 Sierra, the symptoms are usually obvious. The most common issue is an engine misfire, which you might feel as a shudder, jerk, or stumble from the engine. This can happen at idle or when you're accelerating. You will almost always 🎬 Watch: See a demonstration of common bad ignition coil symptoms. get a Check Engine Light on your dashboard.
Other common signs of a failing ignition coil include:
- Rough Idle: The engine will shake or vibrate more than usual when you're stopped.
- Loss of Power: Your truck may feel sluggish and accelerate slower than normal.
- Worse Gas Mileage: An inefficient engine burns more fuel to produce the same amount of power.
- Engine Stalling: In more severe cases, especially if more than one coil has failed, the engine may stall completely.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Coils for Your Sierra
When replacing a part like an ignition coil, you have a choice between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket parts. For GM vehicles, the primary OEM brand is ACDelco. However, brands like Delphi are often the actual manufacturer for the original part, meaning an ACDelco-branded coil might have "Delphi" stamped on it. For this reason, many experienced owners consider ACDelco and Delphi to be of equivalent quality for this part.
Aftermarket brands offer a wider range of price and quality. For a reliable, long-term repair, choosing a premium aftermarket brand is a smart move. Brands like Hitachi and Standard Ignition (Standard Motor Products) have a long-standing reputation in the industry. While some budget-friendly brands can perform well, they may not have the same durability or quality control as their premium counterparts. For a critical component like an ignition coil, sticking with a well-regarded brand often prevents having to do the job twice.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil Brand
With many brands available, it can be tough to choose. Here’s a breakdown of the brands in our inventory to help you decide:
- Premium Aftermarket (Recommended): These brands are known for quality engineering and often supply parts directly to automakers. They are a reliable alternative to OEM.
- Hitachi: A well-respected Japanese manufacturer, often an OEM supplier for many brands, known for high-quality electronic components.
- Standard Ignition (SMP): A major player in the aftermarket for decades, considered a quality brand for ignition parts.
- Quality Aftermarket: These brands provide a good balance of price and performance, making them a solid choice for most repairs.
- Spectra: A known aftermarket brand offering a wide range of parts.
- Walker Products: An established brand in fuel and engine management parts.
- Holstein: Offers a range of sensors and ignition components.
- Value-Oriented: These brands are more budget-friendly. They can be a good option for an older vehicle or if cost is the primary concern.
- Global Parts
- True Tech
- URO Parts: Often known for European vehicle parts, but offers components for domestic models as well.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost (Per Coil) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM (ACDelco) | $75 - $120 | Considered the benchmark for quality and fit. |
| New Aftermarket | $39 - $75 | Our inventory price range. Quality varies by brand. |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $150 | Typically 0.5 to 1.5 hours of labor. |
Known Issues and Bulletins
There are no major safety recalls specifically for ignition coils on the 2007-2014 GMC Sierra. However, General Motors did issue Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) PIP5147A for the 2014 model year. This bulletin addresses misfire codes (P0300, P0351-P0358) and advises technicians to check the ignition coil connectors for moisture. If water intrusion is found, the recommended fix is to replace the affected coil and apply dielectric grease to the electrical connector to seal it from future moisture damage. This indicates that the connection point can be a weak spot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I find out which ignition coil is bad?
The most effective way is to use an OBD-II scanner. The tool will read a specific trouble code that points to the failing cylinder. For example, code P0301 indicates a misfire in cylinder 1, P0302 for cylinder 2, and so on. If you don't have a scanner, you can swap the suspected bad coil with one from a different cylinder. If the misfire code moves to the new cylinder, you have 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose and fix specific engine misfire codes. confirmed the coil is faulty.
Should I replace all eight ignition coils at once?
It is not strictly necessary. If only one coil has failed and the others are original with high mileage, it can be a good preventative measure to replace them all, as they have all been subjected to the same wear and heat cycles. However, if you are on a budget, it is perfectly fine to replace only the single failed coil.
Is it hard to replace an ignition coil on a GMC Sierra?
No, this is a very easy job suitable for beginners. Each coil is held in place by one or two 10mm bolts and has a single electrical connector. The entire job for one coil can be done in about 15-20 minutes with 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing ignition coils on your Sierra. basic hand tools.
Do I need to replace the spark plugs at the same time?
It is highly recommended. A failing ignition coil can damage the spark plug in its cylinder, and old spark plugs can put extra strain on a new ignition coil. Since you already have everything apart, replacing the spark plug at the same time is a smart and cost-effective practice.
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Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12570616 12611424 D585 UF262
This generation of GMC Sierra uses a square-style, coil-on-plug ignition coil. Each coil is secured with two 10mm bolts and has a 4-pin electrical connector.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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