How to Change the Ignition Coil in a 2001 Chevy Cavalier

The Chevy Cavalier production run began in 1982, replacing the Monza and ended in 2005 being replaced by the Cobalt. The 2001 Cavalier was the third generation of Cavaliers. A 2.2-liter with overhead valves and two versions of the 2.4-liter engine, one with single and the other with dual overhead cams, were available. The coil on the 2.2-liter engine was on the rear of the cylinder head, while the coils for the 2.4-liter engine are under the cover situated on top of the valve cover.

Instructions

Engine Coil Replacement 2.2-Liter

1

Find the coils on the rear of the cylinder head. There are two coils sitting atop the ignition control module. Remove the four bolts on the outside corners of the coils using a socket. Lift the coil off the ignition control module just enough to access the two wires sandwiched between the control module and the coil. Disconnect both of these wire connectors.

2

Hold the new coil next to the old and situate it in the same manner as the old. Remove the two plug wires from the old coil and transfer them to the new coil.

3

Plug the two wires on the ignition control module into the bottom connectors on the new coil. Bend the wires so they remain sandwiched under the coil, between it and the ignition control module, as the coil is set to rest on the module. Insert the four bolts in the corners of the coil and tighten them firmly.

Engine Coil Replacement 2.4-Liter

4

Unplug the ignition control module located on the driver's side of the top cover. Remove the four bolts securing the top cover over the valve cover using a socket. Lift the cover up, starting at the passenger side of the engine, paying attention to the portion of the control module that passes under the fuel line. Lift up on the passenger side to remove the two spark plug boots on the driver's side of the distributor module under the cover. This makes it easier to get the top cover out from under the fuel line on the driver's side of the head.

5

Lay the cover upside down with the distributor module facing up. The module is the long, white plastic cover with the spark plug boots bolted to the underside of the cover. Unbolt the distributor using a socket. Lift the distributor and unplug the wire connector from the ignition control module to the coil.

6

Lift the coil out of the distributor and replace it with a new coil. Ensure the springs are in place in the coil towers that transfer the electrical current from the coil to the spark plug boot when pressing down on the coil.

7

Connect the electrical connector from the ignition control module to the coil. Hold the coils in place and lay the distributor on the cover. Align the holes for the bolts. Install the bolts securing the distributor to the top cover.

8

Install the first two spark plug boots on the passenger side by snapping them onto the distributor. Place the driver's side boots in the valve cover holes to the spark plugs. Install the top cover driver's side first under the fuel line and lower the passenger side while aligning the boots with the spark plug holes in the valve cover. Press the cover down by hand to snap the driver's side boots onto the distributor.

9

Install the four bolts in the top cover and tighten them firmly. Plug in the ignition control module connector.