repeated ignition coil failures 2011 Explorer XLT

[steelkilt]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice on a long term solution to ignition coil failures on my 2011 XLT approx 165,000 miles. We had one go bad a few years ago, and over time I've replaced all six. When I asked my local mechanic about the cause he said "poor design, I've replaced a ton of these." I'd rather not have to replace these on interval, especially the three in the back. Digging out rubber boots is not fun either. Any thoughts on how to get normal lifespan out of these parts would be appreciated. I've been buying aftermarket coils on Amazon. Thanks

 

[peterk9]

........................................... I've been buying aftermarket coils on Amazon. Thanks

Ever consider that might be the issue?
I had a '64 Cadillac that kept cracking the distributor cap. One day I bought a spare. Never needed it and I still have it now as a pencil/pen holder.

Peter

 

[J_C]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice on a long term solution to ignition coil failures on my 2011 XLT approx 165,000 miles. We had one go bad a few years ago, and over time I've replaced all six. When I asked my local mechanic about the cause he said "poor design, I've replaced a ton of these." I'd rather not have to replace these on interval, especially the three in the back. Digging out rubber boots is not fun either. Any thoughts on how to get normal lifespan out of these parts would be appreciated. I've been buying aftermarket coils on Amazon. Thanks

You have not filled in your profile, location information. That would let us know if part of the issue is operating in a hot environment.

I agree with PeterK9, only get major brand coils like Motorcraft, Denso, or Hitachi. On Amazon, some people don't trust anything and suspect any could be counterfeit, but I would at least buy (a name brand) from Amazon as seller instead of a 3rd party seller on Amazon.

Have you changed your spark plugs? Worn plugs are hard on coils and they were probably due for it, at 100K mi if not earlier.

Rubber boots, be sure to put an adequate (but not excessive) amount of silicone dielectric grease around the inside rim of the rubber, if the manufacturer did not do this already.

 

[steelkilt]

You have not filled in your profile, location information. That would let us know if part of the issue is operating in a hot environment.

I agree with PeterK9, only get major brand coils like Motorcraft, Denso, or Hitachi. On Amazon, some people don't trust anything and suspect any could be counterfeit, but I would at least buy (a name brand) from Amazon as seller instead of a 3rd party seller on Amazon.

Have you changed your spark plugs? Worn plugs are hard on coils and they were probably due for it, at 100K mi if not earlier.

Rubber boots, be sure to put an adequate (but not excessive) amount of silicone dielectric grease around the inside rim of the rubber, if the manufacturer did not do this already.

Thanks for the response, appreciate it (PeterK9 too). I live in Maryland. Will follow advice on major brand coils and will confirm spark plug life. Thanks also for the tip on dielectric grease. It took forever to chop up the stuck boot last time. I did finally locate a good procedure for removing a stuck boot, see link below, I'm guessing I'll need to reference this when the next coil goes bad. Thanks again.

DIY: Removing Stuck Ignition Coil Rubber Boot - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums