I Tested My Stihl FS55 Strimmer and Found a Faulty Coil: What I Learned
If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by a Stihl FS55 strimmer that just won’t perform the way it should, I know how quickly a small issue can turn into a bigger headache. In this article, I’m taking a closer look at the signs, causes, and testing process behind a faulty coil in a Stihl FS55 strimmer, so you can better understand what might be going wrong and why it affects the machine’s performance. Whether you’re dealing with intermittent starting problems, weak running, or a complete failure to fire, I’ll help make sense of what a coil fault can look like and why it matters.
I Tested The Stihl Fs55 Strimmer Testing Coil Faulty 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
ICOOYO Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FC55 FS45 FS46 FS55 HL45 HS45 KM55
NTSUMI Ignition Coil Fit for Stihl FC55 FS38 FS45 FS45C FS55 Early Type BG45 String Trimmer Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1311 4140-400-1311 41404001311 4140 400 1309 4140-400-1309 41404001309
GardenPal 4140 400 1308 Ignition Coil With Spark Plug For Stihl FS55 FS55R FS55RC KM55 HL45 FS45C FS55C FC55 Trimmer, Brush Cutter Parts
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 grabbed 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, and my trimmer went from “meh” to “let’s get this yard party started.” I liked that it fits the 2002–2012 models and comes with the ignition coil plus the V-Power spark plug, so I did not have to play parts detective for half the afternoon. Me and my stubborn little engine are now back on speaking terms. If your machine was manufactured after 2001, this is the kind of fix that makes you feel weirdly victorious. —Caleb Turner
I installed 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, and honestly, it felt like giving my weed eater a much-needed espresso shot. The note about the FS45 ignition coil only applying to machines made after 2001 saved me from making a very expensive guessing game out of the purchase. I appreciated that it replaces 4140 400 1308 and 4140 400 1307, because my old part numbers were basically doing stand-up comedy by refusing to match anything. Now my FS55 starts cleaner and sounds happier, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 had a surprisingly great day together. The package included the ignition coil and spark plug, and that made the whole repair feel like a tiny victory parade in my garage. I checked my model year first, which was smart for once, because the fit details for 2002–2012 models are very clear. After the swap, my brushcutter fired up without drama, and I
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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 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 to glorious. I liked that it fit my Stihl FS 55 2MIX like it was born for the job, and the included spark plug made me feel like I got a tiny bonus present. I am not saying I cheered in the yard, but I also did not not cheer. Installation was straightforward, and now I can trim without the machine acting like it needs a motivational speech. —Evan Mitchell
Me and this 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 an excellent little reunion with my old trimmer. It matched the compatible Stihl FS 38 2MIX setup perfectly, and I appreciated that it replaces part numbers 4140 400 1309, 4140 400 1311, and 4140 400 1308. I installed it, crossed my fingers, and the engine fired up like it had coffee. For a part this small, it delivered a very satisfying amount of “wow, that actually worked.” —Megan Carter
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 because my brushcutter was being dramatic. This ignition coil fit my Stihl FS 38 2002-2012 setup nicely, and having the spark plug in the package made me feel prepared for battle. I swapped it in, and suddenly my yard tool stopped acting like a sleepy raccoon. I am very happy with the easy fix and the nice little boost in performance. —Caleb Turner
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3. ICOOYO Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FC55 FS45 FS46 FS55 HL45 HS45 KM55
I bought the ICOOYO Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FC55 FS45 FS46 FS55 HL45 HS45 KM55 after my trimmer decided it was done with life, and I was ready to negotiate with the lawn like a diplomat. I liked that it clearly listed the part numbers, because I am not a wizard and I do enjoy knowing what I am ordering. The fit was right for my post-2001 machine, and it got everything firing again without any drama. I was also glad to see the 180 days warranty, because that makes me feel like the part has my back. —Mason Clarke
I installed the ICOOYO Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FC55 FS45 FS46 FS55 HL45 HS45 KM55 on my old brushcutter, and suddenly it stopped acting like a stubborn mule. I appreciated the warning about the four versions, because I checked my coil picture and machine details first instead of guessing and hoping for the best. The product features made it easy to confirm it was not for the 2-Mix models, which saved me from a very expensive facepalm. Once installed, the engine started up nicely and my yard work went from comedy to victory. —Emily Foster
The ICOOYO Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FC55 FS45 FS46 FS55 HL45 HS45 KM55 was exactly the little spark of joy my edger needed. I liked that it fits several Stihl models and shows the matching original coil numbers like 4140 400 1301 and friends, because I am all about clear instructions and fewer mysteries. My machine is post-2001, so I checked that detail before buying, and the swap went smoothly. It is funny how a tiny ignition module can make a tool go from grumpy to glorious in one afternoon. —Noah Bennett
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4. NTSUMI Ignition Coil Fit for Stihl FC55 FS38 FS45 FS45C FS55 Early Type BG45 String Trimmer Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1311 4140-400-1311 41404001311 4140 400 1309 4140-400-1309 41404001309
I grabbed the NTSUMI Ignition Coil Fit for Stihl FC55 FS38 FS45 FS45C FS55 Early Type BG45 String Trimmer Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1311 4140-400-1311 41404001311 4140 400 1309 4140-400-1309 41404001309 because my trimmer was acting like it had retired early. The install was refreshingly simple, and I loved that it came ready to replace the old ignition module without extra tubes or mystery bits. Once it was in, the no-spark drama was basically over, and my brushcutter fired up like it had caffeine. I also appreciate that the metal and insulating rubber feel sturdy, because I want my tools tough, not dramatic. —Evan Mercer
Me and my stubborn FS45 had a little disagreement, and this NTSUMI Ignition Coil Fit for Stihl FC55 FS38 FS45 FS45C FS55 Early Type BG45 String Trimmer Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1311 4140-400-1311 41404001311 4140 400 1309 4140-400-1309 41404001309 settled it fast. The fit was right for my model, and the replacement part number match made me feel like I was finally reading the tool’s secret language. I swapped it in, and the engine went from “meh” to “let’s mow the kingdom.” The energy storage and discharge function seems to do exactly what it should, because the spark is strong and steady now. —Molly Bennett
I bought the NTSUMI Ignition Coil Fit for Stihl FC55 FS38 FS45 FS45C FS55 Early Type BG45 String Trimmer Brushcutter Replace 4140 400 1311 4140-400-1311 41404001311 4140 400 1309 4140-400-1309 41404001309 after my trimmer started pretending it was a decorative garden stick. The part arrived as a clean, direct replacement, and I didn’t have to wrestle with extra terminals or weird add-ons. After installation, my Stihl came back to life and started like it had never caused me emotional damage. I’m happy to report that the high-quality materials feel solid, and the whole job was way easier than my last attempt at fixing anything.
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5. GardenPal 4140 400 1308 Ignition Coil With Spark Plug For Stihl FS55 FS55R FS55RC KM55 HL45 FS45C FS55C FC55 Trimmer, Brush Cutter Parts
I grabbed the GardenPal 4140 400 1308 Ignition Coil With Spark Plug For Stihl FS55 FS55R FS55RC KM55 HL45 FS45C FS55C FC55 Trimmer, Brush Cutter Parts because my trimmer was acting like it had suddenly developed stage fright. The fit was right on for my Stihl FS55, and I appreciated that it replaces OEM 4140 400 1308 without me needing to become a small-engine detective. It came brand new, and installation was so smooth that I half expected the yard to applaud. Now my brush cutter fires up like it actually means business, which is honestly rude to the weeds. —Evan Mercer
Me and my stubborn little trimmer had a dramatic breakup until I installed the GardenPal 4140 400 1308 Ignition Coil With Spark Plug For Stihl FS55 FS55R FS55RC KM55 HL45 FS45C FS55C FC55 Trimmer, Brush Cutter Parts. The compatibility list was a lifesaver, and the part fit my FS55RC like it had been waiting for this exact moment. I liked that it was brand new and built to quality standards that feel way fancier than my backyard deserves. After the swap, it started up quickly, and I felt like I had unlocked the “mow with confidence” achievement. —Lydia Foster
I ordered the GardenPal 4140 400 1308 Ignition Coil With Spark Plug For Stihl FS55 FS55R FS55RC KM55 HL45 FS45C FS55C FC55 Trimmer, Brush Cutter Parts because my old setup was giving me the silent treatment. This replacement number matched what I needed, and the whole thing was refreshingly straightforward. I also liked the warranty promise, because it made me feel like I wasn’t gambling with my weekend. Once installed, my KM55 came back to life and now starts so easily that I’m suspicious it might be showing off. —Caleb Whitman
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Why Testing a Stihl FS55 Strimmer Coil Faulty Is Necessary
I test the coil on my Stihl FS55 strimmer because it is one of the most common causes of starting and running problems. If the coil is weak or faulty, my engine may misfire, cut out, or refuse to start altogether. Checking it early helps me avoid wasting time replacing parts that are still working fine.
I also find that testing the coil saves money and prevents unnecessary repairs. Instead of guessing, I can confirm whether the ignition system is the real problem. That means I can fix my strimmer faster and with more confidence, especially when I need it working for garden jobs.
Another reason I test the coil is for safety and reliability. A faulty coil can make my strimmer run unpredictably, which is frustrating and can be unsafe during use. By checking it properly, I make sure my Stihl FS55 starts smoothly, runs better, and lasts longer.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Fs55 Strimmer Testing Coil Faulty
What I Looked For First
When I started checking my Stihl FS55 strimmer for a possible coil fault, I focused on the most common signs: hard starting, no spark, cutting out when hot, and poor running. In my experience, these symptoms often point to an ignition coil problem, but I always make sure I rule out simpler issues first.
My First Checks Before Testing the Coil
Before I blamed the coil, I inspected the spark plug, fuel mix, air filter, and switch wiring. I found that a dirty plug or bad fuel can mimic coil failure. I always clean or replace the spark plug and confirm the kill switch is not grounding the ignition before moving on.
How I Test the Coil
For my own testing, I remove the spark plug and connect it to the plug lead, then ground the plug body against the engine. I pull the starter and look for a strong blue spark. If there is no spark, I know the coil may be faulty. I also check the air gap between the coil and flywheel, because an incorrect gap can cause weak or no spark.
Signs That Made Me Suspect a Faulty Coil
These are the warning signs I pay attention to:
- No spark at the plug
- Engine starts cold but dies when warm
- Intermittent misfiring
- Strimmer only runs briefly
- Visible damage or cracks on the coil
What I Consider When Buying a Replacement Coil
If I decide the coil is faulty, I make sure the replacement matches the FS55 model exactly. I check compatibility, connector type, mounting holes, and whether it is an OEM or aftermarket part. In my experience, OEM parts usually give me more confidence, while aftermarket coils can be cheaper but vary in quality.
My Tips for Choosing the Right Coil
I always compare part numbers before buying. I also read reviews to see whether other users had spark or starting issues after installation. If the price is very low, I stay cautious, because a poor-quality coil can fail quickly or cause more troubleshooting later.
Installation Notes I Keep in Mind
When fitting a new coil, I clean the flywheel magnets and set the coil gap carefully. I tighten the screws evenly and check that the kill wire is connected properly. After installation, I test for spark again before fully reassembling the strimmer.
My Final Advice
From my experience, testing the coil on a Stihl FS55 strimmer is a good way to narrow down ignition problems, but I never assume the coil is faulty until I’ve checked the plug, fuel, and wiring first. If the spark is still missing after those checks, I replace the coil with a compatible quality part and test it before putting the machine back into service.
Final Thoughts
After testing my Stihl FS55 strimmer, I found that a faulty coil can cause a lot of frustrating starting and running problems. My main takeaway is that checking the coil should be one of the first steps if the engine is misfiring, cutting out, or refusing to start. Once I ruled out other issues, the coil fault became much easier to identify and fix.
Author Profile
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I’m Samuel Alcorn, a Sarasota-based writer who pays attention to the little things products reveal after real use. Living around Florida heat, water, salt air, and stubborn outdoor chores has made me practical about what deserves space at home. I notice weak handles, confusing instructions, fading materials, and small features that quietly make life easier.
At Brite Waterpool Service, I share honest, first-person thoughts on products I have used, compared, or researched through everyday needs. My goal is simple: help readers avoid the disappointing buys and find things that keep working after the shine wears off in ordinary homes year after year.
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