How to Replace the Ignition Coil in a GM Pickup
by Russell Wood
When the ignition coil on your GM pickup goes out, you'll have problems starting the vehicle and maintaining idle. Replacing the ignition coil in a GM pickup is somewhat more complicated than in other types of vehicles. In this case, the project vehicle is a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado with the 5.7l engine, but the process is similar for other GM pickups.
Step 1
Pop the hood and locate the ignition coil bracket on the left side of the engine, just to the left of the air intake tubing. Unplug the coil wire and the wiring harness from the coil bracket and set them aside.
Step 2
Unbolt the coil bracket from the intake manifold using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift the bracket off the engine and place it on a work surface. Insert a metal drill bit into the drill and drill off the heads of the rivets that secure the coil to the bracket, then pull the coil off the bracket.
Step 3
Place the replacement coil onto the coil bracket and use the rivet gun to rivet two rivets into the coil to secure it to the bracket. Bolt the bracket onto the intake manifold, then push the coil wire and the wiring harness back onto the coil.
Things You'll Need
- 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
- Drill and metal drill bits
- Rivets
- Rivet gun
- Replacement ignition coil
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
