Ford Fusion Ignition Coil Guide: 2016-2020 Models
Solve your Fusion's rough idle or misfires by choosing the right ignition coil for your engine.
- A flashing check engine light indicates a severe misfire; stop driving immediately to avoid damaging the catalytic converter.
- For high-mileage Fusions, it's wise to replace all ignition coils and spark plugs at the same time.
- This is a very easy DIY repair, requiring only an 8mm socket and about 30 minutes.
- For reliability, choose OEM-equivalent brands like Motorcraft, Denso, Bosch, or NGK.
Is Your Fusion Running Rough? It Could Be an Ignition Coil.
A failing ignition coil is a common issue that can make your Ford Fusion run poorly. When a coil goes bad, the spark plug for that cylinder can't fire properly, leading to an engine misfire. This can feel like a shudder or hesitation, especially when you're idling at a stoplight or trying to accelerate. Ignoring a bad coil can lead to worse problems, including damage to your catalytic converter, which is an expensive repair.
Flashing Check Engine Light: Stop Driving!
If your check engine light is flashing, it signals a severe engine misfire. Unburned fuel can get into the exhaust system and quickly destroy the catalytic converter. Pull over safely and have the vehicle towed to avoid a much more expensive repair.
Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Coil in a Ford Fusion
- Check Engine Light: A steady or flashing check engine light is the most common sign. Common codes include P0300 (random misfire) or P0301-P0304, indicating a misfire in a specific cylinder.
- Rough Idle and Stalling: The engine may shake, sputter, or even stall when you're stopped.
- Poor Acceleration: Your car may feel sluggish or hesitate when you press the gas pedal.
- Reduced Fuel Economy: When a cylinder isn't firing correctly, your engine burns more fuel to compensate.
- Backfiring or Sputtering Noises: You might hear loud bangs from the exhaust or coughing sounds from the engine. 🎬 See a visual breakdown of common bad ignition coil symptoms.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
You don't have to buy the most expensive part to get good performance. Aftermarket coils for the Fusion come in several quality tiers. For daily driving, a reliable mid-tier brand is often the best balance of price and quality.
OEM & Premium Aftermarket (Best Quality):
- Motorcraft: This is Ford's official parts brand and the original equipment on your car. It's the benchmark for fit and performance.
- Bosch, Delphi, NGK, Hitachi: These brands are often original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for Ford and other carmakers. They provide OEM-level quality, sometimes at a lower price. Denso is noted by owners as being the original manufacturer for some Motorcraft coils.
Quality Aftermarket (Reliable Value):
- Standard Ignition (SMP), Spectra, Walker Products: These are well-regarded brands in the aftermarket world. They offer a solid combination of reliability and value for daily drivers.
Economy & Budget-Friendly (Lowest Cost):
- DriveWire, Skyward, True Tech, Global Parts: These brands focus on affordability. They can be a good option if you're on a tight budget, but may not have the same longevity as premium brands.
Pro Tip: Replace in Sets?
Ignition coils are wear items. If one has failed on a higher-mileage Fusion (over 100,000 miles), the others may not be far behind. To save time and prevent future misfires, it's often a good idea to replace all the coils at the same time, especially since it's a simple job. It's also wise to replace the spark plugs at the same time if they are due.
Cost to Replace Ford Fusion Ignition Coils
The cost depends on the brand you choose and whether you do the work yourself. Replacing ignition coils on a 2016-2020 Fusion is a very straightforward DIY job that requires basic tools.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Ignition Coil (Single) | $18.38 - $238.95 |
| New OEM (Motorcraft) Ignition Coil (Single) | $65 - $115 |
| Shop Labor (Per Coil) | $29 - $43 |
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
Searches for the 2016-2020 Ford Fusion did not reveal any widespread recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) specifically for ignition coil failure on these model years. Earlier models had a TSB related to coils causing PCM failure, but this does not apply to the 2016-2020 generation. Some recalls exist for the Fusion Energi (PHEV) models related to the high-voltage battery system, but these are not related to the 12-volt ignition coils. An earlier recall for 2014-2015 models concerned the ignition switch, not the coils themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I replace just one ignition coil?
Yes, you can replace only the failed coil. If your car has high mileage, consider replacing them all as a set to prevent future issues, since they tend to wear out at a similar rate.
Is this a difficult job to do myself?
No, this is one of the easiest repairs you can do. The coils are located directly on top of the engine, each held by a single 8mm bolt. You simply disconnect the electrical connector, undo the bolt, pull the old coil out, and install the new one. The entire job for all four cylinders can take less than 30 minutes.
Do I need to replace my spark plugs at the same time?
It's highly recommended, especially if you don't know the last time they were changed. A worn spark plug can put extra strain on a new ignition coil, causing it to fail prematurely. Since you already have the coil out, the spark plug is right there.
🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide to replacing your plugs and coils.How do I know which coil is bad?
A basic OBD-II scanner can read the trouble code. A code like P0302 means cylinder #2 is misfiring. You can then swap the coil from cylinder #2 with another cylinder (e.g., cylinder #3). If the code changes to P0303, you've confirmed the coil is the problem.
🎬 Learn how to fix misfire codes using basic hand tools.Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: DS7Z-12029-B (1.5L EcoBoost) CM5Z-12029-K (2.0L EcoBoost / 2.5L) 9E5Z-12029-A (2.5L)
All 2016-2020 Ford Fusion models use a coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system. Each cylinder has its own individual coil. The correct part number varies depending on the engine (1.5L EcoBoost, 2.0L EcoBoost, or 2.5L Duratec). Always verify the part number for your specific engine before ordering.
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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.
- Ford Fusion:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Fusion Running Rough? It Could Be an Ignition Coil.
- Flashing Check Engine Light: Stop Driving!
- Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Coil in a Ford Fusion
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
- Pro Tip: Replace in Sets?
- Cost to Replace Ford Fusion Ignition Coils
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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