Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Ignition Coils & Spark Plug Wires: 2015-2022
Clearing up the confusion about spark plug wires on your modern Silverado and choosing the right parts for a smooth-running engine.
- Your truck has eight individual ignition coils and eight short spark plug wires, not a traditional wire set.
- Before buying, visually check if your engine has 'square' or 'round' style ignition coils to ensure you order the correct parts.
- Symptoms like a rough idle or misfire (P0300 code) can also be caused by a more serious AFM lifter issue covered by a TSB.
- Replacing coils, wires, and spark plugs all at once is the most effective way to perform a complete ignition tune-up.
Is Your Silverado Running Rough? It Could Be the Ignition System
If your Silverado's engine is misfiring, idling poorly, or hesitating when you accelerate, failing ignition components are a likely cause. The ignition coils and the short spark plug wires that connect them to the plugs are wear-and-tear items. Over time, heat and vibration can cause them to degrade, leading to a weak or inconsistent spark. This can trigger your Check Engine Light and leave you with a truck that runs poorly and burns more fuel than it should.
Check This First: Misfires Aren't Always Ignition-Related
General Motors has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 15-06-01-002 and its revisions) for 2015-2019 Silverados with the 5.3L and 6.2L engines regarding engine misfires (DTC P0300). This issue can be caused by a collapsed or stuck Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter. If you have a persistent misfire, especially if accompanied by a ticking noise, it's wise to have a professional technician rule out this more serious mechanical problem before replacing all your ignition parts.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Coils and Wires
When shopping for these parts, you have a few decisions to make. You can replace just the spark plug wires, or you can replace the coils and wires together as a kit. If your truck has high mileage or you've diagnosed a bad coil, replacing them as a complete set is often the best 🎬 See this step-by-step guide for replacing your ignition coils long-term solution. Aftermarket kits often provide both the coils and wires for a complete refresh.
Pro Tip: Check Your Coil Style Before Ordering!
GM used two different physical shapes for ignition coils on these trucks: a square style and a more trapezoidal or 'round' style. There is no specific rule for which style your truck has. Before you buy, pop the engine cover off and visually inspect one of your coils to ensure you order the correct matching parts.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers
The market offers a wide range of brands for your Silverado's ignition system. They generally fall into three categories:
- Performance Brands (MSD, Granatelli): These brands are aimed at enthusiasts looking for a potential performance boost. They often advertise higher voltage output, which they claim improves throttle response and horsepower. While heavily modified engines might see a benefit, the performance gain on a stock truck is likely minimal. However, they are generally well-made products. User reviews for Granatelli wires and coils are often positive, noting a smoother idle and better startup.
- OEM-Quality Brands (Denso, Standard Motor Products): Denso is a major manufacturer of original equipment parts for many automakers. Choosing a Denso coil or wire set is a reliable way to restore factory performance and quality. Standard Motor Products (SMP) is another long-standing aftermarket brand that offers dependable, OE-spec parts.
- Value Brands (Accel, Walker Products, Store Brands): These brands offer a more budget-friendly solution. Accel is a known name, though some forum users have reported mixed results with their coils compared to MSD. Store brands like Duralast and TRQ, along with other online brands, can provide a functional replacement at a lower cost, but may not have the same longevity or performance as premium options.
Cost of Replacing Ignition Coils & Wires on a 2015-2022 Silverado 1500
| Part Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket Spark Plug Wire Set | $40 - $150 |
| Aftermarket Ignition Coil & Wire Kit (Set of 8) | $150 - $400+ |
| OEM Ignition Coil (Single) | $70 - $120 |
| Shop Labor | $150 - $300 |
(Note: Costs are estimates and can vary based on location, brand, and vehicle specifics.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do 2015-2022 Silverado 1500s have spark plug wires?
Yes, but they are not the traditional long wires you might be used to. These trucks use a coil-near-plug system with eight individual ignition coils. A short, individual spark plug wire connects each coil to its corresponding spark plug. These are often sold in sets of eight.
Should I replace the ignition coils and spark plugs at the same time?
It is highly recommended. The job requires accessing the same components, so replacing the spark plugs, wires, and coils all at once saves you from having to do the same labor twice. A failing coil can also shorten the life of a spark plug. A complete tune-up will ensure the entire ignition system is fresh.
What are the main symptoms of a bad ignition coil or wire?
The most common symptoms include a flashing or solid Check Engine Light, a rough or shaking idle, engine misfires (which feel like a stutter or jerk during acceleration), reduced power, and worse fuel economy.
Is it hard to replace the ignition coils and wires myself?
For a moderately skilled DIYer, this job is very feasible. The front six cylinders are relatively easy to access. However, the rearmost cylinder on each side (especially the passenger side, cylinder #8) can be very difficult to reach from the top. Many owners find it much easier to access these by removing the front wheels and the plastic wheel well liners.
🎬 Watch: Pro tips for reaching that difficult rear spark plugIs there a recall on the ignition system for these trucks?
There was a safety recall (NHTSA #15V640000) for some 2014-2015 Silverado models related to the ignition lock actuator, which could make turning the key difficult. This is part of the ignition switch assembly, not the coils or wires that cause misfires. There are no widespread recalls for the ignition coils or wires themselves.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12674754 12699383 12708496 12621750 UF-743
System Type: Coil-Near-Plug (CNP). Quantity: 8 coils, 8 wires. Firing Order: 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3. Important Note: Two coil body styles exist (square and round/trapezoid); visual confirmation is required before purchase.
We Have This Part in Stock
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.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Silverado Running Rough? It Could Be the Ignition System
- Check This First: Misfires Aren't Always Ignition-Related
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Coils and Wires
- Aftermarket Brand Tiers
- Cost of Replacing Ignition Coils & Wires on a 2015-2022 Silverado 1500
- Frequently Asked Questions
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