Parts for your 2013 Subaru Exiga-Ignition coils

2013 Subaru Exiga ignition coils — what they do and how to look after them

Ignition coils are absolutely relevant to the 2013 Subaru Exiga. This model runs petrol flat-four engines (FB25 2.5L in Australia/NZ, EJ-series options in Japan), and all are coil-on-plug ignition systems. That’s confirmed in Subaru’s Technical Information System (STIS) engine/ignition sections for MY2013 Exiga and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue for Exiga (YA), which list individual ignition coils for both FB and EJ engines. The Australian Liberty Exiga owner information likewise notes maintenance for spark plugs within a coil-on-plug ignition system. So, yes—this vehicle uses ignition coils.

On this Exiga, each cylinder gets its own coil mounted on the spark plug. Their job is to step battery voltage up to a high-voltage spark, lighting the fuel-air mix cleanly and efficiently. Healthy coils help the wagon start first time, run smoothly, save fuel, and keep emissions in check.

Coils aren’t a routine replacement item, but they do age from heat and vibration. A smart service approach is to inspect them whenever spark plugs are replaced (typically around 100,000 km on iridium plugs for FB engines), or at any major service. Look for cracking, carbon tracking, swollen boots, oil in the plug wells, or a burnt smell. Under the bonnet, common fail signs are rough idle, hesitation under load, poor economy, and a check engine light with misfire codes (P0301–P0304). Turbo EJ variants can be a bit harder on coils thanks to extra heat.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: disconnect the battery, remove the engine cover and coil connectors, unbolt the coil (small M6 fasteners are usually torqued around 8–10 N·m), and swap in an OE-spec unit. A dab of dielectric grease on the boot helps future removal. It’s fine to replace a single failed coil, but on higher-kilometre cars many workshops recommend doing the full set to restore even performance and avoid repeat visits. Always pair coil checks with fresh, correctly gapped plugs and a quick look at engine earthing.

• Symptoms to watch: hard starting, misfire under load, flashing MIL, fuel use creeping up.
• Good practice: inspect coils at each major service, test and replace any weak units, keep plug wells dry and clean.

Popular questions about 2013 Subaru Exiga ignition coils

How often should ignition coils be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval in Subaru schedules—coils are replaced on condition. Many last well past 150,000 km. They should be inspected whenever spark plugs are changed or if misfire symptoms appear.

Should coils be replaced as a set?
If one fails at high kilometres, replacing the set can be cost-effective and avoids chasing intermittent faults. On lower-kilometre vehicles, replacing the single failed coil with an OE-quality unit is usually fine.

Is it safe to drive with a misfiring coil?
It’s best not to. Driving while misfiring can overheat the catalytic converter and may cause further engine or exhaust damage. Get the fault diagnosed and sorted promptly.