A Guide to Ignition Coils for the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Impala
Solve engine misfires and poor performance by understanding how to choose and replace the right ignition coils for your Impala.
- A flashing Check Engine Light indicates a severe misfire that requires immediate attention to prevent catalytic converter damage.
- This is a simple DIY repair; the coils on the 3.6L V6 are easily accessible on top of the engine.
- For best results, choose OEM-equivalent brands like ACDelco or Delphi; it's also highly recommended to replace spark plugs at the same time.
- A major recall for the ignition *switch* affects these Impalas but is a separate issue from ignition *coil* failure.
Is Your Impala's Ignition Coil Failing?
A bad ignition coil is one of the most common reasons for a Check Engine Light on the 2011-2015 Impala. When a coil starts to fail, it can't deliver the strong electrical charge the spark plug needs. This leads to an engine misfire, which you'll feel and hear. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more expensive problems, like a damaged catalytic converter, so it's best to address them quickly.
Diagnosing the Problem
The key to diagnosing a bad coil on your Impala is reading the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with an OBD-II scanner. A code between P0301 and P0306 tells you exactly which cylinder is misfiring (e.g., P0304 means cylinder 4). A P0300 code indicates a random misfire across multiple cylinders. Once you know the cylinder, you can confirm the coil is the problem with a simple swap test:
- Locate the coil on the misfiring cylinder.
- Swap it with a coil from a neighboring cylinder that is working correctly.
- Clear the codes, start the engine, and wait for the Check Engine Light to return.
- Rescan the codes. If the code moved to the new cylinder (e.g., from P0304 to P0302), you've confirmed the coil is bad. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide on diagnosing and fixing a cylinder misfire. If the code stays on the original cylinder, the issue is likely the spark plug or another component.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
When shopping for a replacement, you'll find a wide range of brands and prices. For your Impala, quality matters for long-term reliability.
- Premium Brands (OEM-Equivalent): Brands like ACDelco (the original GM part) and Delphi are top-tier choices. Delphi was a part of GM and manufactured many of their original components, so their quality is considered equivalent to the factory part. DENSO and NGK are also highly respected OEM suppliers known for excellent reliability. These are your best bet for a fit-and-forget repair.
- Quality Aftermarket Brands: Brands such as Standard Ignition (SMP) and Hitachi offer a good balance of quality and price. They are trusted in the repair industry and are a solid choice if you're looking to save a little money without sacrificing reliability.
- Budget Brands: You will see many lower-priced options available. While the initial cost is attractive, these parts may use lower-quality windings and materials, which can lead to a shorter lifespan and potential failure sooner than you'd like. It is often recommended to use OEM-standard parts to avoid having to do the repair again.
Pro Tip: If one ignition coil has failed and your car has high mileage (over 100,000 miles), it's wise to replace all of them at the same time. Coils are subjected to the same heat and wear, so when one fails, others are often not far behind. This saves you from future repeat repairs.
Known Issues: Ignition Switch vs. Ignition Coil
Your 2011-2014 Impala was part of a major GM recall (NHTSA #14V355000) for a faulty ignition switch, not the ignition coils. The switch could accidentally turn off while driving, causing the engine to stall and disabling airbags. This is a separate issue from a misfire caused by a bad coil. Ensure this recall has been performed on your vehicle, but don't confuse it with coil failure symptoms like a rough idle or flashing check engine light.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost (Single Coil) |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Part | $39 - $194 |
| New OEM Part (ACDelco) | $100 - $150 |
| Shop Labor | $80 - $150 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $235 - $342 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to replace the ignition coils on a 2011-2015 Impala?
No, this is a very DIY-friendly job, especially on the 3.6L V6 engine. The coils are located on top of the engine, held in by a single 10mm bolt each. You just need to remove the plastic engine cover, disconnect the electrical connector, undo the bolt, and pull the old coil straight out. The entire job can often be done in under an hour.
Should I replace my spark plugs at the same time?
Absolutely. The ignition coil must be removed to access the spark plug anyway. Worn spark plugs can put extra strain on the ignition coils, causing them to fail prematurely. Replacing the plugs and coils together is smart 🎬 See how to replace both spark plugs and coils on your 3.6L. preventative maintenance.
Can I replace just one ignition coil?
Yes, you can replace only the failed coil to fix an immediate misfire. However, as mentioned before, if your vehicle has high mileage, the other coils are likely near the end of their service life. Replacing them all at once can save you from future breakdowns.
Are the front and rear coils different?
No, for the 3.6L V6 engine, all six ignition coils are the same part number, making ordering simple. The 2011 model with the 3.5L or 3.9L engine uses a single ignition coil module that fires all cylinders via spark plug wires.
🎬 Watch this walkthrough for replacing the coil pack on older models.Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12632479 D515C UF569
Coil-on-Plug (for 3.6L V6), 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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