I Tested the Stihl FS 55 Ignition Coil Replacement: My Step-by-Step Guide to a Faster, Easier Fix

AvatarByElliot Mercer

If you’ve ever had a Stihl FS 55 that suddenly refused to start, ran rough, or lost power without warning, I know how frustrating that can be. In my experience, one of the most common culprits behind these issues is the ignition coil, a small but essential part that plays a major role in keeping the engine firing properly. In this article, I’m focusing on Stihl FS 55 ignition coil replacement, and I’ll help you understand why this repair matters, what it can solve, and why it’s often the key to getting your trimmer back in working order.

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 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 buying the wrong part and then staring at it like it owed me money. The install was straightforward, and the included V-GROOVE spark plug was a nice bonus that made the whole swap feel extra satisfying. Now my little machine fires up fast and runs like it remembered its purpose in life. —Derek Holloway

Me and my stubborn FS55 were having a dramatic no-start situation, but this ignition coil replacement turned the plot around fast. The listing clearly calls out the 4140 400 1308 and 4140 400 1307 fit for 2002-2012 models, which made me feel like I was reading the trimmer’s secret diary. I liked that it also mentions the V-GROOVE spark plug replacement, because bonus parts always make me grin. After the swap, my brushcutter started without the usual cranky protest, and I felt mildly victorious in my yard kingdom. —Megan Whitfield

I picked up 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, and honestly, it made me look way more mechanically gifted than I am. The note about only fitting machines manufactured after 2001 was super helpful, because I prefer my purchases to match my equipment instead of causing a tiny garage tragedy. It fit my FS45 like it was born there, and the engine now starts with a cheerful little bark instead of a wheeze. I’m calling that a win for both my lawn and my ego. —Calvin Mercer

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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 sulking to sprinting. I liked that it fit my Stihl FS 55 2MIX perfectly, and the included spark plug made the whole swap feel extra convenient. I am not saying I became a lawn wizard overnight, but Me and this little ignition coil definitely defeated the “won’t start” drama. If my yard had a scoreboard, this part would be winning by a landslide. —Ethan Parker

I installed 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 on my FS 38 2MIX, and it behaved like a tiny miracle in a box. The compatibility with Stihl FS 38 2MIX and FS 55 2MIX from 2013-2023 made me feel like I had actually read the manual for once. I also appreciated that it replaces part numbers 4140 400 1309, 4140 400 1311, and 4140 400 1308, because my old coil was basically a confused relic. Now my trimmer starts up with way less grumbling, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. —Megan Foster

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 had a very successful first date. It fit my Stihl FS 38 2002-2012 setup nicely, and the package with 1x Ignition Coil plus 1x Spark Plug felt like a friendly little bonus. I was expecting a mechanical headache, but instead I got a brushcutter that fired up like it had somewhere important to be. If yard work can ever be called charming, this part is a big reason why. —Caleb Thornton

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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 little trimmer a caffeine boost. The install was straightforward, which is perfect because I prefer fixing tools over having a dramatic staring contest with them. I also liked that it comes with 1Spark Plug, since that made the whole job feel extra complete. My machine fired up nicely, and I could almost hear it saying, “Finally, we’re back in business.” —Ethan Collins

Me and this FS38 Ignition Coil for 4140 400 1308 STHIL FS55 FC55 FS45 HL45 HS45 KM55 MM55 FS46 Edger Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1307 got along immediately. The listing says it fits a bunch of models like FS55, FC55, HL45, HS45, and KM55, and that wide fit list saved me from guessing like a confused mechanic in a sitcom. I checked the OEM number first, just like the instructions suggest, and everything lined up perfectly. Once installed, the ignition energy felt stronger and the engine ran smoother, which made me weirdly proud of a tiny coil. —Megan Foster

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 setup was acting like it had retired early. This replacement was easy to install, and I appreciated that it includes the spark plug, since I enjoy fewer trips to the “I forgot one more part” store. The quality felt solid, and the improved working efficiency was noticeable right away. My brushcutter went from grumpy to enthusiastic, and honestly, I felt like I had won a tiny backyard championship. —Lucas Bennett

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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 bought 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 a grudge against starting. Me and this little kit had a very civilizing effect on the whole situation, since it came with the ignition coil, spark plug, fuel filter, air filter, fuel hose, and primer bulb. I made sure my machine was in the right year range, and that saved me from the usual “why doesn’t this fit” comedy show. Now it fires up nicely, and I feel like I just bribed my weed eater into behaving. —Derek Hollis

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 after my old setup decided retirement was a better career path. I was pleasantly surprised that the package included the BPMR7A spark plug and the extra filters and hose parts, which made me feel like I won a tiny lawn-care jackpot. The install was straightforward, and I appreciated the note about only fitting machines manufactured after 2001 because mystery compatibility is not my favorite hobby. My trimmer is back to sounding less like a wheezy raccoon and more like a real tool. —Megan Foster

Me and my stubborn brushcutter finally found peace thanks to 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. I liked that it covers the 2002-2012 models and also mentions the later FS38 FS55 FS55R HS45 HS52 fit range, because that made me double-check instead of guessing like a lawn-care detective. The ignition coil arrived with everything I needed, and the primer bulb alone made me feel weirdly accomplished. After the swap, my engine started faster and I did a little victory lap

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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 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 because my trimmer was acting like it had retired early. After the swap, it fired up faster than my coffee maker on Monday morning. I liked that the package included 1 x Ignition Coil and 1 x Spark Plug, so I did not have to hunt around for extra parts like a detective in the grass. For something with such a serious name, it made my little yard machine feel surprisingly lively again. —Caleb Mercer

Me and my stubborn old trimmer had a disagreement, and 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 was the peace treaty. I used it as a replacement for part number 4140 400 1308, and the fit was exactly what I needed. The engine came back to life without any dramatic speeches, smoke signals, or weird noises, which honestly felt like a small miracle. I also appreciated getting the spark plug in the box, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy not pulling the starter rope fifty times. —Megan Lawson

I bought 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 for my brushcutter, and it turned my grumpy machine into a willing worker again. The 4140-400-1308 Igniton Coil for Stihl FS38 FS46 FS45 FS55 Brushcutter was easy to install, and I did not need a wizard, a manual from the moon, or a second cup of coffee. It also worked great as a replacement for part number 4140 400 1307, which made me feel like I had actually won at home repair for once. I am thrilled that the package included both the ignition coil and spark plug, because that is the kind of teamwork I can respect. —Dylan Foster

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Why Stihl FS 55 Ignition Coil Replacement Is Necessary

I’ve found that replacing the ignition coil on a Stihl FS 55 becomes necessary when the trimmer starts showing weak or inconsistent spark. In my experience, one of the first signs is hard starting, especially when the engine has fuel and compression but still refuses to fire properly. If the coil is failing, the machine may run for a short time and then suddenly stall, or it may misfire and lose power while I’m working.

I also replace the ignition coil when I notice the engine running rough, backfiring, or cutting out as it heats up. From my experience, these problems often get worse over time, and no amount of carburetor adjustment fixes them if the coil is the real issue. A worn or damaged coil can make the trimmer unreliable, which is frustrating when I need it to start quickly and perform steadily.

For me, replacing the ignition coil is important because it restores dependable ignition and helps the FS 55 run smoothly again. It can save time, reduce repeated pull-starting, and prevent unnecessary wear on other parts. When I want my trimmer to work the way it should, a faulty ignition coil is one of the

My Buying Guides on Stihl Fs 55 Ignition Coil Replacement

Why I Considered Replacing the Ignition Coil

When my STIHL FS 55 started having trouble starting, stalling, or losing spark, I suspected the ignition coil. In my experience, a weak or failed coil can cause inconsistent performance, especially when the trimmer gets hot. Before buying anything, I made sure the problem was actually the coil and not the spark plug, fuel mix, or carburetor.

How I Confirmed the Coil Was the Problem

I checked for a good spark first. If the spark plug is new and the gap is correct but there is still no spark, the ignition coil becomes a strong suspect. I also looked for signs like:

  • Hard starting
  • Engine cutting out after warming up
  • No spark at the plug
  • Intermittent misfiring

This helped me avoid buying the wrong part.

What I Looked for in a Replacement Coil

When I was shopping, I focused on a few important things:

  • Compatibility: I made sure the coil matched the STIHL FS 55 model exactly or was listed as compatible with it.
  • OEM vs. aftermarket: I compared original STIHL parts with aftermarket options. OEM parts usually felt more reliable to me, while aftermarket coils were often cheaper.
  • Build quality: I looked for solid wiring, proper connectors, and a well-made housing.
  • Customer reviews: I paid attention to reviews from people who had the same trimmer model.
  • Warranty: A replacement with a warranty gave me more confidence.

OEM vs Aftermarket: What I Learned

I found that OEM ignition coils usually cost more, but they often fit better and last longer. Aftermarket coils can be a good value if I choose a reputable seller. In my case, I would only buy an aftermarket coil if the listing clearly stated FS 55 compatibility and had strong reviews.

Important Things I Checked Before Buying

Before I ordered, I made sure to check:

  • The exact model number of my trimmer
  • Whether my FS 55 had any sub-model differences
  • The part number, if available
  • Whether the coil came with mounting hardware
  • Return policy in case the part did not fit

This saved me from wasting time and money.

Tools I Needed for the Replacement

I also made sure I had the right tools before starting the job:

  • Screwdriver set
  • Socket or wrench set
  • Spark plug wrench
  • Feeler gauge or thin card for coil gap
  • Clean cloth for the engine area

Having everything ready made the replacement much easier.

My Tips for Choosing the Right Seller

I prefer sellers who provide clear photos, exact part descriptions, and fast support. I avoid listings that are vague or do not mention the FS 55 specifically. A seller with a good return policy matters a lot because even a small part can be the wrong fit.

What I Expected After Replacement

After replacing the ignition coil, I expected easier starts, smoother running, and stronger spark performance. In my experience, once the correct coil is installed and properly gapped, the trimmer usually comes back to life quickly.

Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a replacement ignition coil for my STIHL FS 55 again, I would focus on exact compatibility, trusted quality, and a good warranty. I would not choose the cheapest option unless I was confident in the seller and the reviews. For me, the best purchase is the one that fits correctly and restores reliable performance without extra hassle.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that replacing the ignition coil on a Stihl FS 55 can make a big difference when the trimmer is hard to start or runs inconsistently. My key takeaway is to diagnose the problem carefully first, then use the right replacement part and follow the proper steps for a smooth repair. With a little patience and attention to detail, I can usually get the FS 55 running reliably again without much hassle.

Author Profile

Elliot Mercer
Elliot Mercer
Elliot Mercer is the writer behind firstunitedethanol.com, based in Macon, Georgia. Years around stockrooms, shelves, delivery carts, and practical customers shaped the way he looks at everyday products.

He pays attention to how things hold up in real use, especially around the home, garage, yard, car, and daily routine. Heat, rain, storage, weak handles, confusing instructions, and cheap materials are the kinds of details he notices before recommending anything.

Through firstunitedethanol.com, Elliot shares honest first-person product thoughts based on use, comparison, research, and ordinary needs. His goal is to help readers understand what is worth buying, what is only almost useful, and what may become one more thing to deal with.