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2001 Chrysler Neon LE 2.0 SOHC

Hi...

I'm looking to replace the ignition coil. Seems fairly simple, remove the plug wires and four bolts attaching it to the valve cover... except, I cannot figure out how to remove the electrical connector.

It must be fairly simple to get this off so perhaps I've been staring at the connector for too long. The connector on my vehicle has this red thing, for lack of a better word, on either side of the connector.

Can someone shed some light on this for the mechanically challenged? Much appreciated!

Make sure you unplug the negative battery post on the battery. IF I remember correctly I had to get a pair of needle nose pliers and push that red tab in a certain direction. It is a PITA to get that off. Just try to be gentle and don't damage it.

Use a flat headed screw driver to POP the red connector out
Then push down on the black tap of the electrical connector and start wiggling the connector side to side trying to remove it. Its a pain but it will pop out.
If you break the RED connector off, no worries since its a lock so the actual connector does not just fall of the terminal..........

Do you really have to remove the negative terminal? I pulled it off once without removing the neg. cable without any problem. Just checking...? While here, I want to test my coil with my multimeter, but I am unsure of which connections to test and the resistance I shoud be getting.

you don't necessarily have too... but in the odd chance that the coil still has a charge... accidentally grounding it could complete the circuit and lets just say it will definitely be an electrifying experience!

always be safe around the electrical and fuel system. pull the negative terminal... if your super overly paranoid... remove the whole battery.

good luck
J

Thanks for the tips! I swapped out the coil this morning.

The red locking device on top of the electrical connector slides towards the firewall. It does not come all the way out, but rather comes to halt on a built in stopper in the connector. It required a little gentle persuasion via a prying flathead screwdriver to initially remove the connector, perhaps had never been removed.

Removed the plug wires, 4 bolts holding it to the valve cover, swapped in a new one, connected everything back up... all ok. Perhaps it is just my optimistic imagination but the engine seems to fire up quicker now.

Replacement ignition coil is a Niehoff with brass spark plug connectors for $99.99 CDN.

I forgot to add... this was all done carefully without disconnecting the battery.