Motorcraft DG-511 Ignition Coil — Complete Repair Guide for Ford 4.6L, 5.4L, and 6.8L Engine Malfunctions
If your Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, Expedition, or Mustang is experiencing ignition malfunction codes and running erratically, the ignition coil is most likely the culprit. The Motorcraft DG-511 is the genuine OEM ignition coil for Ford's 4.6L, 5.4L, and 6.8L engines and is one of the most commonly used coils across Ford's entire product range, compatible with over 512 vehicles. Here's everything you need to know to diagnose and properly repair the problem.
What is a Motorcraft DG-511?
The DG-511 is an ignition coil that sits directly on the spark plug; meaning one coil for each cylinder. This replaced the DG-508 for Ford's updated generation of 2004-2008 4.6L and 5.4L 3-valve Triton V8 engines, and also covers the 6.8L V10 found in the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty. When a DG-511 fails, that cylinder stops firing correctly, resulting in an ignition failure code and erratic operation.
How to identify a faulty DG-511?
The symptoms of a faulty ignition coil are distinct and easily identifiable:
Engine malfunction indicator light showing codes from P0300 (random ignition fault) to P0308 (cylinder-specific ignition fault)
Irregular idling or jerking - especially noticeable when stopped
Hesitation during acceleration
Poor fuel economy
Engine misfiring or jerking under load
Difficulty starting in cold weather
The ignition fault code indicates exactly which cylinder is faulty. P0301 = cylinder 1, P0302 = cylinder 2, and so on up to P0308. Knowing the cylinder means you also know which coil needs replacing.
What is the difference between DG-511 and DG-508?
Both DG-508 and DG-511 are Motorcraft ignition coils for Ford V8 engines, but they are not interchangeable:
DG-508 — fits earlier 4.6L 2-valve and 5.4L 2-valve engines (1997–2004)
DG-511 — fits updated 4.6L and 5.4L 3-valve engines (2004–2008) and the 6.8L V10
Always verify your exact engine type before ordering. The easiest way is to check your VIN number, or contact us and we will confirm compatibility for you.
Key Features
Original Motorcraft Part No: DG-511 (OEM: 3L3E-12A366-CA)
Coil-spark plug design — direct fit, no wiring or adapters required
Black coil sleeves — factory correct look
Steel lamination stack for consistent magnetic field and reliable spark output
Motorcraft 2-year / unlimited mileage warranty — valid at any Ford or Lincoln dealership
Fits over 512 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles
Vehicle compatibility
2004–2008 Ford F-150 4.6L and 5.4L V8
2005–2008 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty 5.4L V8 and 6.8L V10
2005–2008 Ford Expedition 5.4L V8
2005–2008 Ford Mustang 4.6L V8
2006–2008 Ford Explorer 4.6L V8
2006–2008 Lincoln Mark LT 5.4L V8
2005–2008 Lincoln Navigator 5.4L V8
2006–2008 Mercury Mountaineer 4.6L V8
1999–2007 Ford F-550 Super Duty 6.8L V10
Cross-references: 3L3E-12A366-CA, 3L3Z-12029-BA, DG508, FD-508, UF405
How to replace a DG-511 — in less than 15 minutes
Read the ignition failure code (P0301–P0308) to identify the faulty cylinder
Disconnect the negative battery terminal
Remove the engine cover, if applicable
Disconnect the electrical connector from the faulty coil
Remove the coil retaining bolt (7 mm or 8 mm)
Pull the old coil upwards from the spark plug
Push in the new one Press the DG-511 firmly onto the spark plug until it clicks into place.
Reinstall the bolt and reconnect the electrical connector.
Clear the ignition fault code and take a test drive.
💡 Tip: On engines over 80,000 miles, replace all 8 coils at once. If one fails, the others have the same mileage and will likely fail sooner – replacing all 8 coils at once saves a second trip under the hood.
🎥 Every order from SayParts includes a FREE step-by-step installation video covering the entire DG-511 replacement process.
Why buy from SayParts?
Genuine Motorcraft DG-511, with 2-year/unlimited mileage Ford warranty
Free installation video with every order
Free worldwide shipping
Save compared to AutoZone — $49.99 vs ~$73.99
VIN verification available — not sure if it's compatible? Contact us before ordering
Don't let a faulty ignition coil cause your Ford to run erratically. The Motorcraft DG-511 is the right OEM solution and installs in less than 15 minutes.
👉 Order the Motorcraft DG-511 from SayParts: https://sayparts.com/products/motorcraft-dg-511-ignition-coil-ford-4-6l-5-4l-6-8l-2004-2008
👉 Need all 8? Order the DG-511 8-Pack: https://sayparts.com/products/motorcraft-dg-511-ignition-coil-8-pack-ford-4-6l-5-4l-6-8l-2004-2008
Suitable for 2004-2008 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, Expedition, Mustang, Explorer, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercury Mountaineer models (with 4.6L, 5.4L V8, or 6.8L V10 engines). Please verify compatibility with your VIN number before ordering.