Parts for your 2017 Holden Colorado-Ignition coils

2017 Holden Colorado ignition coils — are they even on the ute?

Short answer: no. The 2017 Holden Colorado (RG, MY17) sold in Australia and New Zealand runs the 2.8‑litre four‑cylinder Duramax turbo‑diesel, a compression‑ignition engine that doesn’t use spark plugs or ignition coils. This is backed by the Holden RG Colorado Owner’s Handbook (MY17 technical data), GM/ACDelco parts catalogues for the RG VIN range (which list glow plugs but no coils), and GM Global Propulsion specs for the 2.8 Duramax (LWN/XLD28), all describing a diesel-only lineup in this model year.

Because it’s a diesel, the Colorado ignites fuel by heat generated from high compression rather than a spark. That means no ignition coil packs, leads, or spark plugs to service. Instead, it relies on glow plugs for cold starts, a glow plug control module, and a high‑pressure common‑rail injection system to deliver and time fuel precisely.

If someone’s trying to sell “ignition coils” for a 2017 Holden Colorado, they’re either mixing it up with the US‑market Chevrolet Colorado petrol models or looking at the earlier petrol Holdens. On the MY17 RG diesel, the relevant “starting/ignition” hardware includes:

• Glow plugs and glow plug control module
• High‑pressure pump, rail, and piezo/solenoid injectors
• Engine management sensors (crank/cam), EGR and turbo/boost control

Chasing a rough idle, hesitation, or what feels like a “misfire”? On this diesel Colorado, common culprits are a clogged fuel filter, air leaks on the low‑pressure side, tired or coked injectors, boost leaks, EGR issues, or a battery/charging problem affecting glow‑plug operation. Sticking to quality diesel, replacing the fuel filter at the specified intervals, keeping the air intake and intercooler plumbing airtight, and ensuring timely DPF regens will keep it happy. If cold starts are slow or smoky, test the glow plugs and controller before throwing parts at it.

Technical references used: Holden RG Colorado Owner’s Handbook (MY17, Technical Data), Holden/GM Electronic Parts Catalogue for RG series (no coil listing, glow plugs present), GM Global Propulsion Systems 2.8L Duramax LWN engine specifications, and AU/NZ model guides indicating a diesel‑only 2017 lineup.

FAQs

Does a 2017 Holden Colorado have ignition coils?

No. The MY17 Holden Colorado in AU/NZ is a 2.8‑litre Duramax turbo‑diesel. Diesel engines use compression ignition, so there are no spark plugs or ignition coils fitted. Only petrol engines need coils.

What replaces ignition coils on the 2017 Colorado diesel?

Cold starts are handled by glow plugs and a glow plug control module. Combustion timing comes from the ECU managing a high‑pressure common‑rail system (pump, rail and injectors) using sensor inputs, rather than a spark event.

Why does my 2017 Colorado feel like it’s misfiring if it has no coils?

Diesel “misfire‑like” symptoms usually point to fuel delivery or air/boost issues: a blocked fuel filter, air in the low‑pressure side, injector wear, boost leaks, EGR faults, or DPF loading. Battery or alternator problems can also affect glow‑plug performance and cold starts.