Chevrolet Caprice Ignition Coil Guide for 2008-2017 Models
Everything a Caprice owner needs to know about diagnosing and replacing failing ignition coils.
- A flashing check engine light with codes P0300-P0308 is the most common sign of a bad coil.
- For V6 models, it is highly recommended to replace all six coils and spark plugs if a rear coil fails due to high labor costs.
- ACDelco and Delphi are OEM-level quality brands and are highly recommended for reliability in the Caprice's V6 and V8 engines.
- Swapping a suspected bad coil with a good one is a simple and effective way to diagnose the problem.
Symptoms of a Failing Ignition Coil
An ignition coil failure in your Caprice will almost always be noticeable. Because these cars were often used for police duty, they endured long idle hours, which can be tough on ignition components. A bad coil means a cylinder isn't firing correctly, a condition known as a misfire. You should get any of these symptoms checked out right away.
🎬 Watch: A visual guide to bad ignition coil symptoms- Check Engine Light: This is often the first sign. A failing coil will trigger a misfire code, like P0300 (random misfire) or P0301-P0308 (for a specific cylinder).
- Rough Idle and Shaking: Your engine may run unevenly or vibrate, especially when stopped at a light.
- Poor Acceleration: With one less cylinder contributing power, the car will feel sluggish and slow to respond.
- Reduced Fuel Economy: The engine will try to compensate for the misfire, often by using more fuel, leading to worse gas mileage.
- Stalling: In severe cases, a complete coil failure can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
When replacing a coil, you have a choice between OEM and various aftermarket brands. For a performance vehicle like the Caprice PPV, quality matters.
Brand Quality Tiers
| Tier | Brands | Description |
|---|---|---|
| OEM / Premium Aftermarket | ACDelco, Delphi, NGK, Bosch, Hitachi | ACDelco is the original GM parts supplier, making it the benchmark for fit and performance. Delphi was also an original supplier for many GM parts and is considered an equivalent, high-quality choice. Brands like NGK, Bosch, and Hitachi have a strong reputation for reliability and are excellent alternatives. |
| Mid-Grade Aftermarket | Standard Ignition (SMP), Walker Products, Hella, Spectra | These brands offer a good balance of price and quality. They are generally reliable for daily use and are a significant step up from basic economy parts. |
| Economy Aftermarket | DriveWire, True Tech, Global Parts, URO Parts, and other store brands | While the low price is tempting, these coils may have a shorter lifespan and less consistent performance. They can be a solution for a tight budget, but for the Caprice's high-output engines, investing in a higher-tier brand is recommended for long-term reliability. |
Pro Tip: For the V6 engines (LFX), three of the six coils are located under the intake manifold. Because of the extra labor involved, it is highly recommended to replace all six coils and spark plugs at the same time if you have a failure on one of the rear cylinders.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
While there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the ignition coils themselves on the 2008-2017 Caprice, there was a significant recall related to the ignition system. Recall NHTSA 14V540000 (GM #14445) was issued for 2011-2013 models because a driver's knee could bump the key and turn the engine off while driving. This was not a coil failure but an issue with the ignition key design. The fix involved replacing the key blade. Always ensure any recalls have been performed on your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I replace all ignition coils at once?
For the V8 (L77) engine, the coils are easy to access. You can replace just the single failed coil without much issue. However, coils are wear items, and if one has failed, others may soon follow. For the V6 (LFX) engine, accessing the rear three coils requires removing the intake manifold, which is a significant job. In that case, it is strongly recommended to replace all six coils and spark plugs at the same time to avoid paying for the same labor again.
What's the difference between an ignition coil and a spark plug?
The ignition coil creates the high voltage, and the spark plug is what receives that voltage to create the actual spark inside the cylinder. They work together. Worn spark plugs can put extra strain on the ignition coils, potentially causing them to fail sooner. It's good practice to replace spark plugs at their recommended interval.
How do I find the bad ignition coil?
First, use an OBD-II scanner to read the trouble code, which will point to the misfiring cylinder (e.g., P0305 is cylinder 5). A common diagnostic technique is to swap the suspected bad coil with a known good coil from another cylinder. Clear the codes and run the engine. If the misfire code "follows" the coil to the new cylinder, you've confirmed the coil is bad.
🎬 See how to diagnose a faulty coil pack step-by-stepAre the "round" and "square" LS coils interchangeable?
No. GM LS-family engines used different style coils over the years, often referred to as round or square/boxy (Melco/Mitsubishi style). They have different brackets and sometimes different connectors. You must use the correct style coil for your specific Caprice engine and year to ensure it fits and functions correctly. The 6.0L L77 in the Caprice typically uses the D510C or similar style coil.
🎬 Watch: How to replace spark plugs and wires on your CapriceHelpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12611424 12573190 12629457 12632479
The 2008-2017 Chevrolet Caprice uses a coil-on-plug ignition system. V8 models (6.0L L77) use 8 coils, while V6 models (3.6L LFX) use 6 coils. Coils for the L77 are typically the 'square' or 'D510C' style. Coils for the LFX are a different design. Always verify the correct part number for your specific engine and year.
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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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