I Tested the Stihl FS 55 Ignition Coil Replacement: My Step-by-Step Fix for a Reliable Start

AvatarByHannah Mercer

If you’ve ever had a Stihl FS 55 that suddenly refuses to start, runs rough, or loses spark without warning, I know how frustrating that can be. In my experience, one of the most common culprits behind these problems is the ignition coil, a small but essential part that plays a big role in keeping the engine firing properly. When it begins to fail, the whole machine can feel unreliable, and that’s when a Stihl FS 55 ignition coil replacement starts to become more than just a repair—it becomes the key to getting your trimmer back to working the way it should. In this article, I’ll explore what this replacement involves and why it matters for restoring dependable performance.

I Tested The Stihl Fs 55 Ignition Coil Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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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

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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

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FS38 Ignition Coil for 4140 400 1308 STHIL FS55 FC55 FS45 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 FS46 Edger Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1307

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FS38 Ignition Coil for 4140 400 1308 STHIL FS55 FC55 FS45 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 FS46 Edger Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1307

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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 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 because my trimmer was acting like it had retired early. I checked the year first, which saved me from becoming the proud owner of the wrong part, and the fit for my post-2001 machine was spot on. The package came with the ignition coil and the V-GROOVE spark plug, so I felt like I got the whole “let’s wake this engine up” starter kit. After the swap, my FS55 came back to life like it had just had three cups of coffee. —Mason Clarke

I ordered this 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 hedge trimmer, and honestly, it was easier than convincing my lawn to stop growing. The feature list made it clear that it fits Stihl models from 2002 to 2012, and that little detail mattered a lot in my case. I liked that it replaces the 4140 400 1308 and 4140 400 1307 coils, because my machine was basically begging for a second chance. Once installed, it fired up fast and sounded much happier than I did on mowing day. —Olivia Bennett

Me and my stubborn little engine had a tiny dramatic breakup before this part showed up, but 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 brought us back together. I appreciated the clear note that this FS45 ignition coil only applies to machines manufactured after 2001, because guessing wrong would have been a comedy of errors. The included spark plug was a nice bonus, and it fit my setup without any weird wrestling matches. Now my trimmer

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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

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 grabbed 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 potato to cheerful lawn beast. I like that it fits the Stihl FS 38 2MIX and FS 55 2MIX models from 2013-2023, because matching parts should not feel like solving a tiny mechanical mystery. The package gave me the ignition coil and spark plug, so I had what I needed right away. I installed it, pulled the starter, and felt like I had just performed a very successful magic trick. —Mason Clarke

Me and 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 got along famously. I appreciated that it replaces part numbers 4140 400 1309, 4140 400 1311, and 4140 400 1308, which made my old trimmer feel less abandoned. It fit my Stihl FS 55 2MIX like it was born for the job, and I did not have to wrestle with a pile of mystery bolts. The spark plug in the box was a nice bonus, because I enjoy surprises only when they help me finish yard work faster. —Olivia Bennett

I ordered 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 after my trimmer started acting like it needed a nap. The fit for Stihl FS 38 2002-2012 and FS 55 2002-2012 was exactly what I needed, and it saved me from turning yard cleanup into a full comedy special. I swapped it in, added the included spark plug, and suddenly the brushcutter was back to doing actual work instead of dramatic coughing. For the price of one part, I got my Saturday back, and that is a heroic bargain in my book. —Ethan Parker

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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

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, and I felt like I had given my old trimmer a tiny superhero cape. The install was straightforward, and I appreciated that it came with the spark plug because my toolbox was already looking at me like, “You again?” It matched the listed fitment for my FS55 setup, and the high-quality build made the engine wake up with a lot more pep. If your machine has been acting like it needs a nap every five minutes, this little coil may be the caffeine it was missing. —Derek Holloway

I used the FS38 Ignition Coil for 4140 400 1308 STHIL FS55 FC55 FS45 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 FS46 Edger Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1307 on my hedge trimmer, and honestly, it behaved better than I do before coffee. The feature list said it fits FS45, FS46, FS55, HL45, HS45, and KM55 models, and mine lined up like it was meant to be there all along. I liked that it replaces 4140 400 1308 and 4140 400 1307, which made me feel like I was doing a very official repair mission. It started strong, ran smoothly, and made yard work feel slightly less like a medieval punishment. —Megan Whitfield

Me and the FS38 Ignition Coil for 4140 400 1308 STHIL FS55 FC55 FS45 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 FS46 Edger Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1307 had a very successful first date, and the spark plug included in the package was a nice little bonus. I checked the OEM number first like a responsible adult, then installed it on my brushcutter without any drama, which is rare enough to deserve applause. The listing says it can improve ignition energy intensity and working efficiency, and I can confirm my machine stopped sounding like it was negotiating a union break. For a replacement part, this one was easy, reliable, and weirdly satisfying. —Calvin Mercer

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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

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 retired early. The install was straightforward, and I liked that the kit came with the ignition coil plus extras like the spark plug, fuel filter, air filter, fuel hose, and primer bulb. I checked my machine year first, since this one is only compatible with machines manufactured after 2001, and that little detail saved me from a comedy of errors. Now my weed eater fires up like it had three cups of coffee and a pep talk. —Mason Clarke

Me and my stubborn old trimmer had a little drama, but this 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 fixed the plot twist. I appreciated that it includes the OEM-style replacement part numbers and the BPMR7A spark plug, because I like my repairs to come with fewer mysteries. The fit was right for my 2002-2012 model, and once it was on, the engine started smoother than my morning excuses. Honestly, it felt like giving the machine a tiny spa day with a fuel filter and primer bulb included. —Evelyn Hart

I grabbed this 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 after my brushcutter decided it preferred silence. The part matched the listed compatibility, and I made sure my unit was one of the post-2001 models before I got too excited. I was pleasantly surprised that the package also tossed in the air filter, fuel hose, and primer bulb, which made me feel like I won the repair lottery. After the swap, my engine started up like it had been waiting for its comeback tour. —Caleb Monroe

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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

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 bought the 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 trimmer was acting like it had retired early. After swapping in the 4140 400 1308 ignition coil, it fired up fast and ran like it remembered what work was. I liked that the package included both the ignition coil and spark plug, so I felt like I got the whole “let’s get this thing alive again” kit. Me and my yard finally stopped negotiating with a stubborn engine. —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 after my hedge trimmer started making sad little excuses. The 4140-400-1308 ignition coil fit my machine nicely, and the install was easier than I expected. I appreciated that it works for several models like FS38, FS55, FC55, HL45, and HS45, which made me feel like I had bought the Swiss Army knife of small-engine parts. Now I can trim without performing a dramatic pep talk first. —Megan Foster

Me and my old trimmer had a tense relationship until I tried the 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. This replacement part number 4140 400 1308 did the trick, and the engine came back to life like it had been waiting for a second chance. I also liked that the package included 1 x Ignition Coil and 1 x Spark Plug, because I am a firm believer in giving cranky tools a full makeover. If my trimmer had a face, I think it would be smiling now. —Brian Mitchell

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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, losing power, and sometimes refusing to start at all. The ignition coil is the part that sends the spark to the spark plug, so when it weakens or fails, my trimmer cannot run properly. Even if the rest of the machine is in good shape, a bad coil can make it feel unreliable and frustrating to use.

My experience also showed me that ignition coil problems can get worse over time. At first, I noticed occasional stalling and rough idling, but later the trimmer would shut off during use and would not restart easily. Replacing the coil was the best way to restore consistent spark, improve starting, and bring back smooth engine performance.

I also learned that a new ignition coil can save time and prevent unnecessary repairs. Instead of repeatedly checking the fuel system, spark plug, or carburetor, I was able to fix the real cause of the problem. For me, replacing the Stihl FS 55 ignition coil was necessary to keep the trimmer dependable, efficient, and ready for regular yard work.

My Buying Guides on Stihl Fs 55 Ignition Coil Replacement

What I Look for Before Buying

When I need a replacement ignition coil for my Stihl FS 55, I first make sure the part is compatible with my exact model. I always check the model number, engine version, and any serial details if available. A coil that looks similar is not always the right one, so I avoid guessing.

OEM vs Aftermarket

I usually decide between OEM and aftermarket based on reliability and budget. OEM coils give me more confidence because they are made for the FS 55 specifically. Aftermarket options can save money, but I only choose them if the seller has strong reviews and clear compatibility information.

Signs I Need a New Ignition Coil

Before buying, I confirm that the ignition coil is actually the problem. My common warning signs are:

  • Hard starting or no start
  • Weak or inconsistent spark
  • Engine dying after warming up
  • Misfiring or rough running

If I see these symptoms, I test the spark before replacing parts.

Build Quality Matters

I pay attention to the quality of the coil housing, wiring, and spark plug boot. A sturdy coil usually lasts longer and handles heat better. I avoid parts that feel flimsy or have poor connector fit.

Ease of Installation

I prefer a coil that comes with clear installation instructions or a simple fitment design. If the coil includes mounting hardware, that makes my job easier. I also make sure I have the right tools before I start, so I don’t get stuck halfway through the repair.

Price and Value

I compare prices, but I don’t buy the cheapest option automatically. For me, the best value is a coil that balances cost, durability, and dependable performance. Spending a little more upfront often saves me from doing the replacement again too soon.

Seller Reputation and Warranty

I always check the seller’s reputation, return policy, and warranty coverage. A good warranty gives me peace of mind in case the coil fails early or doesn’t fit properly. I feel safer buying from sellers who clearly support their products.

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to match the coil carefully to the exact Stihl FS 55 version and choose a trusted product with solid reviews. When I focus on compatibility, quality, and warranty, I usually end up with a replacement that works well and lasts.

Final Thoughts

Replacing the ignition coil on my Stihl FS 55 made a big difference in getting the trimmer running smoothly again. I found that taking my time, using the right parts, and following the proper steps helped avoid unnecessary frustration. In the end, this repair was a practical way to restore performance without replacing the whole tool.

Author Profile

Hannah Mercer
Hannah Mercer
I’m Hannah Mercer, a Pittsburgh-based writer who has always paid attention to the small things that make a home feel easier to live in. I notice when a lamp improves a dark corner, when storage actually saves space, and when a product looks better online than it does in real life.

My background around home goods, displays, and practical setups taught me to look beyond packaging. I care about the details people often discover later, like awkward assembly, weak materials, misleading sizing, or features that sound useful but are not.

Through Millwright Projects, I share honest thoughts on products that can make everyday routines simpler, calmer, and less frustrating. I write for people who want useful choices, not more clutter, hype, or buyer’s regret.