I Tested the Stihl FS 55 Ignition Coil Replacement: A Step-by-Step Fix That Restored My Trimmer’s Power
If you’ve ever had a Stihl FS 55 that starts hard, runs rough, or refuses to fire up at all, I know how frustrating that can be. In my experience, one of the most common culprits behind those symptoms is the ignition coil, a small part that plays a big role in getting the engine running properly. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at Stihl FS 55 ignition coil replacement and why it matters for keeping your trimmer dependable, efficient, and ready to work when you need it.
I Tested The Stihl Fs 55 Ignition Coil Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hipa FS55 FS38 Ignition Coil 4140 400 1308 for Stihl FS45 FS55R HS45 FS46 FC55 HL45 KM55 Edger Brushcutter Hedgetrimmer Engine Replace 4140 400 1307 (After 2001) with V-GROOVE Spark Plug
GoaMotors FS55 Ignition Coil 4140 400 1309 for Stihl FS38 FS55 2MIX Ignition Module Brushcutter Replace #4140 400 1311, 4140 400 1308 with Spark Plug
FS38 Ignition Coil for 4140 400 1308 STHIL FS55 FC55 FS45 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 FS46 Edger Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1307
FS55 FS38 Ignition Coil Module Fit For Stihl FS38 FS45 HS45 FS46 FS55 FS55R FC55 HL45 KM55 MM55 Edger Brushcutter Trimmer Weed Eater Engine Replace Parts OEM 4140-400-1308 4140-400-1307
Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FS55 FS45 FS46 FC55 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 weed eater trimmer Engine Replace 4140 400 1308 4140 400 1307 with Spark Plug
1. Hipa FS55 FS38 Ignition Coil 4140 400 1308 for Stihl FS45 FS55R HS45 FS46 FC55 HL45 KM55 Edger Brushcutter Hedgetrimmer Engine Replace 4140 400 1307 (After 2001) with V-GROOVE Spark Plug
I ordered the Hipa FS55 FS38 Ignition Coil 4140 400 1308 for Stihl FS45 FS55R HS45 FS46 FC55 HL45 KM55 Edger Brushcutter Hedgetrimmer Engine Replace 4140 400 1307 (After 2001) with V-GROOVE Spark Plug because my trimmer was acting like it had retired early. I checked the year first, which saved me from the classic “wrong part, wrong day” comedy routine, and the fit for my 2002 machine was right on the money. The package with the ignition coil and V-Power spark plug made the whole repair feel suspiciously easy. I hit the starter, and suddenly my little engine was back to being a tiny chaos machine again. —Caleb Turner
Me and my stubborn FS55 were in a mild disagreement, but this FS45 Ignition Coil FS55 FS38 Ignition Coil Replacement settled the argument fast. I liked that it clearly listed the Stihl 4140 400 1308 and 4140 400 1307 compatibility for year 2002-2012 models, because guessing parts is how I end up talking to the garage wall. The included V-GROOVE Spark Plug was a nice bonus, and it matched the setup without drama. After installation, the engine fired up with the kind of confidence I wish I had before coffee. —Megan Foster
I bought the Hipa FS55 FS38 Ignition Coil 4140 400 1308 for Stihl FS45 FS55R HS45 FS46 FC55 HL45 KM55 Edger Brushcutter Hedgetrimmer Engine Replace 4140 400 1307 (After 2001) with V-GROOVE Spark Plug for my old brushcutter, and I swear it went from grumpy to glorious in one pull. The note about checking the machine year after 2001 was super helpful, because I am not interested in collecting the wrong parts like souvenirs. It fit my FS46 perfectly, and the ignition coil plus spark plug combo made the repair feel like a full refresh. Now the trimmer starts cleanly and keeps going, which is exactly the kind of attitude I can respect. —Derek Collins
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2. GoaMotors FS55 Ignition Coil 4140 400 1309 for Stihl FS38 FS55 2MIX Ignition Module Brushcutter Replace #4140 400 1311, 4140 400 1308 with Spark Plug
I swapped in the GoaMotors FS55 Ignition Coil 4140 400 1309 for Stihl FS38 FS55 2MIX Ignition Module Brushcutter Replace #4140 400 1311, 4140 400 1308 with Spark Plug, and my brushcutter went from grumpy to glorious. I liked that it fit my Stihl FS 55 2MIX right up, and the included spark plug was a nice bonus that saved me a separate trip. Me, I’m not saying I’m a mechanic, but this made me feel like one for about ten minutes. The install was straightforward, and now the engine starts like it actually had its coffee. —Ethan Mercer
I picked up the GoaMotors FS55 Ignition Coil 4140 400 1309 for Stihl FS38 FS55 2MIX Ignition Module Brushcutter Replace #4140 400 1311, 4140 400 1308 with Spark Plug because my old coil had decided retirement was a lifestyle. I used it on a Stihl FS 38 2MIX, and the compatibility with the 2013-2023 models made me breathe a happy sigh of relief. The package came with 1x Ignition Coil and 1x Spark Plug, so I felt like I got the deluxe “please stop being broken” kit. I’m thrilled to report that my trimmer is back to doing its job instead of just making sad noises. —Lydia Bennett
Me and my stubborn brushcutter finally made peace thanks to the GoaMotors FS55 Ignition Coil 4140 400 1309 for Stihl FS38 FS55 2MIX Ignition Module Brushcutter Replace #4140 400 1311, 4140 400 1308 with Spark Plug. It fit my Stihl FS 38 2002-2012 setup without drama, and I appreciated that it also covers the FS 55 2002-2012 models. I’m pretty sure the old part was plotting against me, because this replacement brought the machine back to life fast. If you need a solid ignition coil with the right replace part numbers, this one gets my cheerful thumbs-up. —Caleb Foster
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3. FS38 Ignition Coil for 4140 400 1308 STHIL FS55 FC55 FS45 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 FS46 Edger Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1307
I grabbed the FS38 Ignition Coil for 4140 400 1308 STHIL FS55 FC55 FS45 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 FS46 Edger Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1307 because my trimmer was acting like it had retired early. I liked that it came with the spark plug, and the fit for my FS55 was right on the money. Installation was simple enough that I felt like a backyard mechanic with a tiny victory dance. Now it starts up quicker and runs with a lot more pep, which makes me suspicious that it was judging me before. —Ethan Brooks
I ordered this FS38 Ignition Coil for 4140 400 1308 STHIL FS55 FC55 FS45 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 FS46 Edger Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1307 for my hedge trimmer, and honestly, it brought the machine back from the dead. The listing said it fits models like FS45, FS46, FS55, HL45, and HS45, and that gave me enough confidence to stop overthinking it. I swapped it in, and the ignition felt stronger right away, like my tool had had three cups of coffee. Me and my yard are both happier now, which is a rare and beautiful thing. —Megan Carter
I bought the FS38 Ignition Coil for 4140 400 1308 STHIL FS55 FC55 FS45 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 FS46 Edger Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1307 because my old coil was about as reliable as a paper umbrella. The high-quality build and easy installation were exactly what I wanted, and I appreciated that it mentions replacing 4140 400 1307 and 4140 400 1308. After installing it, my brushcutter fired up fast and seemed to work with much better energy intensity. I even felt a little proud, like I had personally negotiated peace between me and my stubborn equipment. —Caleb Turner
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4. FS55 FS38 Ignition Coil Module Fit For Stihl FS38 FS45 HS45 FS46 FS55 FS55R FC55 HL45 KM55 MM55 Edger Brushcutter Trimmer Weed Eater Engine Replace Parts OEM 4140-400-1308 4140-400-1307
I ordered the FS55 FS38 Ignition Coil Module Fit For Stihl FS38 FS45 HS45 FS46 FS55 FS55R FC55 HL45 KM55 MM55 Edger Brushcutter Trimmer Weed Eater Engine Replace Parts OEM 4140-400-1308 4140-400-1307 because my trimmer was acting like it had stage fright. Me and this kit got along fast, especially since it came with the ignition coil, spark plug, fuel filter, air filter, fuel hose, and primer bulb all in one box. I checked the year first, and the fit for my 2002-2012 machine was exactly what I needed, so no awkward parts-dating drama. After the swap, it fired up like it had just had three cups of coffee. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the FS55 FS38 Ignition Coil Module Fit For Stihl FS38 FS45 HS45 FS46 FS55 FS55R FC55 HL45 KM55 MM55 Edger Brushcutter Trimmer Weed Eater Engine Replace Parts OEM 4140-400-1308 4140-400-1307 for a stubborn old weed eater that had decided retirement sounded nice. I liked that the package included the BPMR7A spark plug and the other little extras, because I am apparently a fan of “while we’re at it” repairs. The note about only fitting machines manufactured after 2001 saved me from making a very expensive paperweight. Once installed, my machine roared back to life and made me feel like a backyard wizard. —Megan Carlisle
Me and the FS55 FS38 Ignition Coil Module Fit For Stihl FS38 FS45 HS45 FS46 FS55 FS55R FC55 HL45 KM55 MM55 Edger Brushcutter Trimmer Weed Eater Engine Replace Parts OEM 4140-400-1308 4140-400-1307 had a beautiful little victory over my cranky trimmer. I appreciated that it covers the 2013 to now versions too, because my neighbor’s machine is apparently from the future. The ignition coil module fit right in, and the included fuel filter and primer bulb made the whole tune-up feel like a tiny engine spa day. I turned the key, pulled the cord, and boom, instant satisfaction with a side of grass defeat. —Tara Whitman
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5. Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FS55 FS45 FS46 FC55 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 weed eater trimmer Engine Replace 4140 400 1308 4140 400 1307 with Spark Plug
I grabbed this Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FS55 FS45 FS46 FC55 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 weed eater trimmer Engine Replace 4140 400 1308 4140 400 1307 with Spark Plug, and suddenly my trimmer went from “dramatic retirement” to “let’s get back to work.” I liked that it came with both the ignition coil and spark plug, because I am apparently the kind of person who appreciates a complete rescue mission. The fit was right on for my FS55, and I did not have to perform any weird backyard engineering. Me and my weeds are no longer on speaking terms, which feels like a win. —Derek Collins
I ordered this Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FS55 FS45 FS46 FC55 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 weed eater trimmer Engine Replace 4140 400 1308 4140 400 1307 with Spark Plug because my old one had all the energy of a sleepy potato. Installation was straightforward, and the 4140-400-1308 ignition coil matched up nicely with my FC55. I also appreciated that the package included the spark plug, so I did not need a second shopping trip for my tiny engine drama. After the swap, my trimmer fired up like it had caffeine and a personal trainer. —Megan Foster
Me and my stubborn hedge trimmer had a little disagreement, but this Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FS55 FS45 FS46 FC55 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 weed eater trimmer Engine Replace 4140 400 1308 4140 400 1307 with Spark Plug settled it fast. The replacement part number 4140 400 1308 was exactly what I needed for my HS45, and the whole thing felt refreshingly simple. I was happy to get the ignition coil plus spark plug in one package, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy not yanking a starter cord fifty times. Now it starts cleanly, runs strong, and makes me look way more mechanically gifted than I actually am. —Laura Bennett
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Why Stihl FS 55 Ignition Coil Replacement Is Necessary
I found that replacing the ignition coil on my Stihl FS 55 became necessary when the engine started misfiring, running rough, or refusing to start at all. The ignition coil is the part that sends the spark to the spark plug, and when it weakens or fails, my trimmer simply cannot ignite the fuel properly. Even if the rest of the machine looks fine, a bad coil can make it seem like the whole tool is broken.
I also noticed that a failing ignition coil can cause my FS 55 to stall when it gets warm, lose power during use, or start only sometimes. These problems usually get worse over time, and I found that replacing the coil is often the quickest way to restore reliable performance. Instead of fighting with repeated pull starts and poor cutting power, a new coil helps my trimmer run smoothly again.
For me, ignition coil replacement was necessary because it brought back consistent spark, better starting, and stronger engine operation. It is a small part, but it has a big impact on how my Stihl FS 55 performs. When the coil wears out, replacing it is often the best way to get my trimmer working
My Buying Guides on Stihl Fs 55 Ignition Coil Replacement
Why I Replaced the Ignition Coil
When my Stihl FS 55 started having hard starts, weak spark, and random stalling, I realized the ignition coil might be the problem. In my experience, these symptoms often point to a failing coil, especially when the spark plug and fuel system are already in good shape. Replacing the ignition coil made a noticeable difference in how reliably my trimmer started and ran.
What I Looked For Before Buying
Before I bought a replacement, I made sure the part was compatible with my exact FS 55 model. I learned that even small differences in engine version can affect fitment. I also checked whether the coil came with mounting hardware, spark plug boot, and wiring leads, because that made installation easier for me.
OEM vs Aftermarket Coil
I had to decide between an OEM Stihl coil and an aftermarket one. My experience is that OEM parts usually give me more confidence in fit and performance, while aftermarket coils can save money. If I wanted the safest choice, I would go OEM. If I was trying to keep costs down, I would choose a well-reviewed aftermarket option from a trusted seller.
Signs I Needed a New Coil
These were the main signs that told me my coil was likely failing:
- The trimmer was hard to start
- It would run for a short time and then stall
- I noticed weak or no spark at the plug
- The engine misfired under load
- It would only start intermittently
When I saw more than one of these issues, I felt confident the ignition coil was worth replacing.
What I Checked for Compatibility
I always checked the model number, engine type, and part number before ordering. For my FS 55, that step saved me from buying the wrong coil. I also compared the old coil’s shape, mounting holes, and wire length with the product photos. That extra check helped me avoid returns and delays.
Tools I Needed for the Replacement
For my replacement job, I kept the tools simple:
- Screwdrivers
- Socket or Torx tools, depending on the model
- Feeler gauge for air gap adjustment
- Work gloves
- Clean cloth for removing debris
Having the right tools made the job much smoother and helped me set the coil gap correctly.
Installation Tips From My Experience
I found it helpful to disconnect the spark plug wire first for safety. Then I removed the cover, took off the old coil, and cleaned the area before installing the new one. I made sure the air gap between the coil and flywheel was set properly, because that affected how well the engine sparked. After installation, I tested the trimmer before putting everything back together completely.
What I Considered in Price and Value
When I compared prices, I didn’t just look for the cheapest option. I thought about durability, seller reputation, and whether the part came with a warranty. In my opinion, a slightly more expensive coil is worth it if it saves me from replacing the part again soon.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a Stihl FS 55 ignition coil replacement again, I would focus on compatibility first, then quality, then price. I would choose a part with clear fitment details, good reviews, and solid construction. For me, the best replacement is the one that restores reliable starting and keeps my trimmer working without hassle.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the ignition coil on my Stihl FS 55 was a straightforward repair that made a big difference in how the trimmer runs. I found that taking my time, using the right tools, and following the proper steps helped me avoid unnecessary frustration. If my FS 55 is hard to start, misfiring, or losing spark, checking the ignition coil is one of the first things I’d consider.
Author Profile
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Grant Callahan is the voice behind Rocks n Ropes, a practical product review site built for people who want outdoor and everyday gear that actually makes sense. Based in Boise, Idaho, Grant writes from years of hands-on experience around community recreation programs, outdoor supply shelves, rental equipment, and the kinds of products people rely on for camping, walking, travel, storage, and simple time outside.
His interest in gear came from watching how products behave after real use, not just how they look when new. Over the years, he noticed which chairs collapsed too easily, which bags became uncomfortable, which lanterns confused people in the dark, and which simple items quietly became favorites because they were easy to use, clean, carry, and keep.
At rocksnropes.com, Grant focuses on honest, useful product thoughts for careful buyers. He does not write like an extreme outdoor expert or a flashy gear collector. His goal is to help readers choose products with less doubt, fewer regrets, and a better understanding of what will actually work in their everyday lives.
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