Ford Explorer Ignition Coil Guide: 2012-2018 Models
Everything you need to know when engine misfires and a check engine light point to a bad ignition coil.
- A flashing check engine light is serious; avoid driving to prevent catalytic converter damage.
- For V6 models, it is cost-effective to replace all six coils and spark plugs if accessing the difficult rear bank.
- Use an OBD-II scanner to identify the specific misfiring cylinder before buying parts.
- Stick with reputable aftermarket brands like NGK, Delphi, or Bosch for reliability similar to OEM.
Is Your Explorer Running Rough? It Could Be an Ignition Coil
If your 2012-2018 Ford Explorer is starting to hesitate, run rough, or the check engine light is flashing, a failing ignition coil is a very common cause. These coils work hard, especially in the EcoBoost engines, and eventually wear out. This guide will walk you through the symptoms, help you choose the right aftermarket replacement, and explain what the job involves.
A Note on Engine Misfires
A flashing check engine light indicates an active engine misfire. This means unburned fuel is entering the exhaust, which can quickly damage your expensive catalytic converter. It's best to avoid driving the vehicle until the issue is diagnosed and repaired.
Symptoms of a Failing Ignition Coil
- Engine Misfires: The most common symptom. You'll feel a stuttering, shaking, or jerking, especially during acceleration or at idle.
- Rough Idle: The engine may shake or vibrate more than usual when you're stopped.
- Loss of Power: Your Explorer may feel sluggish and slow to accelerate.
- Check Engine Light: A failing coil will trigger a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). Common codes include P0300 (random misfire) or P0301-P0306 (for a specific cylinder). Codes P0351-P0356 point directly to a fault in the coil's circuit.
- Worse Fuel Economy: When a cylinder isn't firing correctly, the engine becomes inefficient and burns more gas. 🎬 Watch: A visual guide to common ignition coil failure symptoms.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
Not all aftermarket coils are created equal. For a part this critical, brand reputation matters. Motorcraft is Ford's own brand and the original equipment (OE) benchmark. However, many aftermarket brands offer excellent quality, often at a better price.
Brand Quality Tiers
- Premium Aftermarket (OEM-Equivalent): Brands like NGK, Delphi, Bosch, and Denso are often the original equipment manufacturers for many car brands. They are engineered to meet or exceed Ford's specifications and are known for excellent reliability and durability. These are a top choice for a long-lasting repair.
- Quality Aftermarket: Brands like Standard Ignition (SMP) and Hitachi have a strong reputation in the professional repair world. They offer a great balance of performance and value.
- Performance Brands: Companies like Granatelli or Mishimoto may offer higher-voltage coils designed for modified or high-performance engines, which can be overkill for a stock daily driver.
- Economy/Value Brands: Brands like DriveWire, True Tech, and Global Parts offer a budget-friendly option. While they can get your Explorer back on the road, they may not have the same longevity or rigorous quality control as premium brands.
Pro Tip: If one coil fails and your spark plugs are due for replacement, it's smart to replace all the coils and plugs at the same time, especially on the V6 engines where accessing the rear bank is more work. This saves you from doing the same job again in a few months.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Ignition Coil?
The cost depends on the brand you choose and whether you do the work yourself. The front three coils on V6 models are very easy to access, while the rear three require removing the upper intake manifold, adding significant labor time.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Aftermarket Ignition Coil | $32 - $100 |
| Single OEM (Motorcraft) Ignition Coil | $70 - $115 |
| Shop Labor (Single, Front Bank) | $50 - $100 |
| Shop Labor (All 6 Coils, V6) | $250 - $450+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace all ignition coils at once?
It's highly recommended, especially if your vehicle has over 80,000 miles. Coils are exposed to the same heat and wear, so if one has failed, others are likely nearing the end of their service life. For V6 engines, replacing all six while the intake manifold is off saves significant future labor costs.
🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing all six coils on a V6.How do I know which ignition coil is bad?
An OBD-II scanner will give you a code like 'P0304', which means cylinder #4 is misfiring. To confirm the coil is the problem, you can perform a "swap test": move the suspected bad coil from cylinder 4 to a known good cylinder (like cylinder 5), clear the codes, and drive. If the code changes to 'P0305', you've confirmed the coil is faulty.
🎬 Watch: How to diagnose and fix a P0304 misfire code.Can I replace an ignition coil myself?
Yes, this is a DIY-friendly job for many owners. The coils on the front of the engine (and all four on 4-cylinder models) are very accessible and held by a single 8mm bolt. Replacing the rear coils on the 3.5L V6 is more involved as it requires removing the upper intake manifold, but it is still achievable for an experienced DIYer with the right tools.
What's the difference between an ignition coil and a spark plug?
The ignition coil creates the high voltage, and the spark plug uses that voltage to create the spark. They work together. A bad coil can damage a spark plug, and a worn-out spark plug can strain and shorten the life of an ignition coil. It's best practice to replace them together.
Are there any recalls for the 2012-2018 Explorer ignition coils?
No, a search of the NHTSA database found no specific recalls for ignition coil failure on the 2012-2018 Ford Explorer. Any failures are considered general maintenance or wear items.
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Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: DG-520 7T4Z-12029-E UF553 CM5Z-12029-A DG-549 UF670
This vehicle uses a coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system. Each coil is secured by one 8mm bolt and has a 2-pin or 3-pin electrical connector depending on the engine. The 3.5L V6 uses six coils, while the 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines use four.
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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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- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Explorer Running Rough? It Could Be an Ignition Coil
- A Note on Engine Misfires
- Symptoms of a Failing Ignition Coil
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
- Brand Quality Tiers
- How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Ignition Coil?
- Frequently Asked Questions
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