A Guide to Replacing Ignition Coils on the 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero
Diagnose and fix engine misfires in your Montero by understanding its ignition coil system.
- This guide applies to the 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero, the last generation sold in North America.
- Symptoms of failure include a flashing check engine light, rough idle, and loss of power.
- Due to the labor involved in accessing the coils, it is highly recommended to replace all three coils, spark plugs, and wires at the same time.
- Check for oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, as this is a common cause of coil failure.
Is Your Montero's Ignition Coil Failing?
A bad ignition coil on a 2001-2006 Montero will make itself known. The engine's computer monitors for misfires, and you will likely see a Check Engine Light on your dashboard. The light may be steady or, more seriously, flashing. A flashing light indicates a severe misfire that can quickly damage expensive exhaust components like the catalytic converter.
Common symptoms include:
- Rough Engine Idle: The engine will shake or vibrate noticeably when stopped.
- Engine Misfires: You'll feel a stumbling, hesitation, or jerking as you drive, especially under acceleration.
- Loss of Power: Your Montero will feel sluggish and weak when you press the gas pedal.
- Gasoline Smell: Unburned fuel from a misfiring cylinder can pass into the exhaust, creating a raw gas smell.
- Difficulty Starting: The engine may be hard to start, especially when cold.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
When replacing ignition coils on your Montero, you have options besides the expensive OEM parts from the dealer. Aftermarket brands offer a balance of price and quality. For this specific part, the brands can be grouped into tiers based on community feedback and reputation.
Mid-Grade & Standard Replacement Brands
These brands are the go-to for most DIY repairs, offering a good balance of reliability and cost. They are designed to meet or exceed original factory specifications.
- Spectra Premium: A well-regarded aftermarket manufacturer. They state their coils use high-grade copper windings and are built to high engineering standards for durability. They are a solid choice for a reliable, standard replacement.
- Standard Ignition (SMP): A very large and established company that also produces parts under the BWD and Intermotor names. Their quality can vary; their premium "Blue Streak" line is often considered an upgrade over OEM, while their budget "T-Series" has a more mixed reputation. For a daily driver, their standard red-box product is generally considered a dependable OEM equivalent.
Economy & Budget-Friendly Brands
These brands offer the lowest price point, which can be appealing. However, forum discussions suggest caution is warranted.
- URO Parts: This brand is known for offering parts at a very low cost, but its reputation among car enthusiasts is poor for critical electronic components. Many forum users recommend avoiding URO for anything other than simple, non-moving cosmetic or metal parts. While they may come with a warranty, the potential for premature failure makes them a risky choice for a part that requires significant labor to access.
Pro Tip: Replace in Sets and Check for Leaks
The V6 engine in the Montero uses three coil packs. When one fails, the others may not be far behind. Since accessing them requires removing the upper intake plenum, it is highly recommended to replace all three coils at once, along with all six spark plugs and wires. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to changing Montero spark plugs. Also, inspect the valve cover gaskets for oil leaks. Oil leaking into the spark plug tubes is a common cause of ignition coil and wire failure.
Montero Ignition Coil Cost
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Coil (Single) | $47 - $67 |
| New OEM Coil (Single) | $77 - $242 |
| Shop Labor Cost | $61 - $90* |
| Total Professional Replacement (1 Coil) | $138 - $332 |
*Labor costs can vary significantly. The estimate shown may not account for the time needed to remove the intake plenum on V6 models, which is a necessary step. Expect higher labor charges in most real-world scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I replace just one bad ignition coil?
Yes, you can replace only the failed coil. However, because accessing the coils on the Montero V6 is labor-intensive, it is cost-effective to replace all three coils, spark plugs, and wires at the same time to prevent future repeat repairs.
How do I know which coil is bad?
A diagnostic scan tool will show a trouble code like "P0305," which points to a misfire on cylinder #5. 🎬 See how to diagnose and repair common engine misfire codes. A common diagnostic technique is to swap the suspected bad coil with a known good one from another cylinder. If the misfire code follows the coil to the new cylinder, the coil is faulty.
Could something else cause the misfire?
Yes. Besides the coil, the problem could be a bad spark plug, a faulty spark plug wire, a clogged fuel injector, or low engine compression. On some Monteros, a failed Ignition Control Module (also called a power transistor) can stop a coil from firing, even if the coil itself is good.
🎬 Watch: Using a scope to find tricky Montero misfire causes.Are there any recalls for Montero ignition coils?
No, there are no specific recalls issued by the NHTSA for ignition coil failure on the 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero. Recalls for this generation typically involve airbags or fuel system components.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: MD372035 MD372045 UF525
The 3.8L V6 uses a waste-spark system with three individual 3-pin coil packs. Each coil provides spark for two cylinders.
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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.
- Mitsubishi Montero:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Montero's Ignition Coil Failing?
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
- Mid-Grade & Standard Replacement Brands
- Economy & Budget-Friendly Brands
- Pro Tip: Replace in Sets and Check for Leaks
- Montero Ignition Coil Cost
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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