A Guide to Replacing Ignition Coils on the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia
Experiencing a rough idle or check engine light on your Acadia? A failing ignition coil is a likely culprit.
- A flashing check engine light indicates a severe misfire; avoid driving to prevent catalytic converter damage.
- For the 3.6L V6, the three rear ignition coils are difficult to access and require removing the intake manifold, increasing labor time and cost.
- When replacing coils, inspect for oil in the spark plug wells, which points to a leaking valve cover gasket that must be fixed.
- Stick with reputable brands like ACDelco, Delphi, or NGK for the best reliability and performance.
Is Your Acadia Running Rough? It Could Be an Ignition Coil
If your 2017-2023 GMC Acadia has started to run poorly, shake at idle, or has the check engine light on, a bad ignition coil is a very common cause. This component is essential for smooth engine operation, and when one fails, the symptoms are usually obvious. This guide will walk you through the signs of failure, how to choose the right aftermarket replacement, and what to expect for costs.
Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Coil
A failing ignition coil will cause an engine cylinder to misfire, leading to noticeable performance issues. Look out for these common signs:
- Check Engine Light: This is often the first sign. The light may be steady or, in severe cases, flashing. A flashing light indicates a serious misfire that could damage your expensive catalytic converter, so you should not drive the vehicle. Common codes include P0300 (random misfire) or P0301-P0306 (for a specific cylinder). 🎬 Watch: Diagnosing a P0301 code and cylinder misfire causes.
- Rough Idle: The engine will vibrate or shake when the vehicle is stopped.
- Engine Misfiring: You may feel the engine hesitate, sputter, or jerk while driving.
- Reduced Power: Your Acadia may feel sluggish and slow to accelerate.
- Worse Fuel Economy: When a cylinder isn't firing correctly, the engine burns more fuel to compensate.
Oil Leaks Can Destroy Coils
When replacing a coil, inspect the spark plug tube for oil. A leaking valve cover gasket is a common issue that allows oil to pool around the coil and spark plug, causing the coil to fail prematurely. If you see oil, the gasket must be replaced to prevent the new coil from failing too.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
Not all aftermarket coils are created equal. For a critical part like this, brand quality matters. Here’s how the available brands generally stack up for your Acadia.
Tier 1: OEM & OE-Equivalent Brands
These brands are known to be original equipment manufacturers for GM or other major automakers. They offer the highest quality and reliability, often identical to the part you'd get from a GMC dealer.
- ACDelco: This is GM's own parts brand and the original equipment in your Acadia. Choosing ACDelco guarantees a perfect fit and OE performance.
- Delphi: Delphi was once part of GM and was the original manufacturer for many ACDelco parts. They are widely considered an OE-quality equivalent and a top choice.
- NGK: While famous for spark plugs, NGK also produces high-quality ignition coils that are trusted by professionals.
Tier 2: Reputable Aftermarket Brands
These brands have a long history in the aftermarket and offer a good balance of quality and price. They are a solid choice for most repairs.
- Standard Motor Products (Standard Ignition): A well-known aftermarket brand that has been around for decades. They offer reliable performance and are a trusted alternative to OE parts. Their premium Blue Streak line is often marketed as an improvement over the original design.
- Denso: A major OEM supplier for many Japanese vehicles, Denso also makes excellent quality ignition components for domestic applications.
Tier 3: Budget-Friendly Brands
These brands (DriveWire, Global Parts, Skyward, True Tech, Walker Products) offer a lower price point. While they can be a solution for a tight budget, their long-term durability and performance may not match the higher-tier brands. Quality can be inconsistent, and some lower-cost coils may have minor fitment issues.
Pro Tip: Replace in Sets?
Ignition coils tend to have a similar lifespan. If one has failed on a higher-mileage Acadia, the others may not be far behind. To save on future labor costs, especially if you have the V6 engine where the rear coils are hard to access, many mechanics recommend replacing all coils at the same time. It's also best practice to replace the spark plugs during this job.
🎬 Watch: How to replace spark plugs and coils together easily.GMC Acadia Ignition Coil Cost
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM (ACDelco) | $60 - $120 per coil |
| New Aftermarket | $40 - $95 per coil |
| Shop Labor (per coil) | $150 - $225+ |
Note: Labor costs can be significantly higher for replacing the three rear coils on the 3.6L V6 engine, as the intake manifold must be removed for access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were there any recalls for the 2017-2023 Acadia ignition coils?
No. Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database show recalls for other issues on these model years, but none specifically for ignition coils.
Can I replace just the one bad coil?
Yes, you can replace only the failed coil. However, if your vehicle has high mileage, it's often a good preventative measure to replace them all, as they tend to fail around the same time.
Is this a DIY job?
For the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, yes, it is a very easy DIY job. For the 3.6L V6, replacing the front three coils (Bank 2) is also easy. However, replacing the rear three coils (Bank 1) is an intermediate-level job that requires removing the upper intake manifold. If you are not comfortable with that, it's best to leave it to a professional.
🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing coils on the 3.6L V6.Should I use dielectric grease?
Yes, it is highly recommended to apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the new ignition coil boot before installing it. This helps seal out moisture and makes future removal easier.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12632479 12707304 55515866 25202791 19418102
Coil-on-Plug (COP) design with a 4-pin connector. Specific part number varies by engine (2.5L I4 vs 3.6L V6) and model year.
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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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