Parts for your Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer Ignition Coils
Buy Ford Explorer ignition coils online from 12 single coils, coil sets and coil and spark plug kits for 2000-2019 SUVs, priced from $12.95 to $236.95. Brands include NGK, TRQ, Spectra Premium, Motorcraft, Accel and DIY Solutions. Fitment is listed by engine, including the 4.0L V6, 4.6L V8, 3.5L V6, 3.5L turbo V6 and 2.3L four.
Year
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Engine picks the Explorer coil
On the Explorer, the engine decides the coil. The 4.0L V6, 5.0L V8 and 4.6L V8 of the 2000-2010 years each use their own ignition setup, and the 4.6L uses one coil per cylinder. 2011-2019 Explorers bring the 3.5L V6, the 3.5L EcoBoost and the 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost four, with different coils again.
Do not assume a naturally aspirated 3.5L coil fits the turbocharged version. The Sport Trac is cataloged separately, so match it carefully. Trim and 4WD rarely change the part. Compare the connector, mounting tab, boot length and coil shape with your original.
Misfires and coil failure
A failing coil usually causes a misfire on one cylinder. You will notice a rough idle, hesitation, weak acceleration, worse fuel economy or hard starting. The check engine light often sets a misfire code such as P0301 to P0306, or a coil circuit code from P0351 to P0358.
If the light flashes, the misfire is active and can harm the catalytic converter. Worn plugs, oil or coolant in a plug well, and damaged wiring can mimic a bad coil. Swap the suspect coil to another cylinder. If the misfire moves with it, the coil is the problem.
Single coil, set or kit
On coil-on-plug engines, you can replace just the failed coil. Sets from TRQ and Accel cover every cylinder, and the DIY Solutions kit adds spark plugs. Old or fouled plugs can kill a new coil, so replacing them together is good practice on high mileage engines.
Unplug the connector, remove the small retaining bolt and pull the coil straight up from the plug well. Look inside the well for oil or coolant. Fit the new coil fully onto the plug, tighten the bolt and reconnect it. Clear the codes and confirm the misfire is gone.
More about ignition coils
Read our ignition coils buying guide for how the part works and what to look for in any vehicle.
Explorer questions
Do 3.5L and 3.5L EcoBoost Explorers use the same ignition coil?
Do not assume so. The naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 and the turbocharged EcoBoost are listed separately. Choose your exact engine in the fitment table before ordering.
Should I replace spark plugs with my Explorer ignition coil?
It is a good idea if the plugs are worn, fouled or oily. A bad plug can cause a repeat misfire or shorten coil life. Some listings are coil and spark plug kits for this job.
Which coil is bad on my Explorer?
Read the misfire or coil circuit code to find the cylinder, then check the engine's cylinder diagram. Swapping that coil with a neighbor and seeing if the misfire follows confirms it.