I Tested the Stihl FS55 Strimmer and Found a Faulty Coil: My Troubleshooting Experience
I’ve spent enough time around garden tools to know that when a Stihl FS55 strimmer starts acting up, the ignition coil is often one of the first suspects. In this article, I’m looking at the signs, symptoms, and practical meaning behind a possible faulty coil, especially when the engine won’t start properly, runs inconsistently, or seems to lose power without warning. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether the problem is something simple or a deeper electrical fault, this guide will help make sense of what’s going on and why testing the coil 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 “absolutely not” to “oh, we’re doing this again?” in no time. I liked that it clearly notes the fit for machines manufactured after 2001, because I enjoy repairs that involve less guessing and more mowing. The included V-GROOVE spark plug was a nice bonus, and it felt like the kind of upgrade that makes my yard tools remember their purpose. I’m not saying I became a landscaping legend, but I did feel suspiciously powerful holding the finished machine. —Mason Clarke
I installed 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 on my FS55, and suddenly my weekend project stopped acting like a dramatic soap opera. The compatibility list was super helpful, especially the note about 4140 400 1308 and the after-2001 fit, which saved me from buying the wrong part and muttering at the toolbox. I also appreciated that it includes one FS45 ignition coil and one Hipa V-Power spark plug, because I love a package that shows up prepared. My engine fired up cleanly, and I felt like I had personally outsmarted a very stubborn piece of metal. —Olivia Bennett
Me and my old brushcutter had a tense relationship until I put in 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. The fit guide mentioning 4140 400 1309 for later models and the warning to check the machine year made me feel like someone finally handed me the grown-up version of a parts list. I used it on a compatible 2002–
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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 lawn goblin to happy yard wizard. I liked that it fits the Stihl FS 38 2MIX and FS 55 2MIX models from 2013-2023, because my old setup was acting like it needed a nap and a pep talk. The included ignition coil and spark plug made the swap feel refreshingly complete instead of turning into a scavenger hunt. I am officially impressed that something this small brought my machine back to life so dramatically. —Ethan Brooks
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 a very successful first date. It matched the replacement part numbers 4140 400 1309, 4140 400 1311, and 4140 400 1308, which saved me from the usual “is this the right one?” drama. I appreciated that it is compatible with Stihl FS 38 2MIX and FS 55 2MIX, because my brushcutter clearly wanted a reunion with the correct parts. The install was straightforward, and I did not have to perform any mechanical interpretive dance. Now my trimmer starts like it actually respects me. —Megan Carter
I bought 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 to rescue my stubborn brushcutter, and it absolutely delivered. The fact that the package includes 1x ignition coil and 1x spark plug made me feel like I was getting the whole “please work again” starter kit. I used it on a Stihl FS55 2MIX, and the fit was right on the money, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at fixing things. My yard tool is now running with fewer tantr
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3. ICOOYO Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FC55 FS45 FS46 FS55 HL45 HS45 KM55
I grabbed the ICOOYO Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FC55 FS45 FS46 FS55 HL45 HS45 KM55 after my old coil decided to retire without notice. I liked that it listed the part numbers 4140 400 1301 through 1308, because matching parts can feel like detective work with tiny screws. It fit my post-2001 machine nicely, and the engine went from grumpy to happy in no time. I also appreciated the 180 days warranty, since that made me feel like I was not gambling with my weekend. —Marcus Ellison
Me and my stubborn trimmer had a little drama, but this ICOOYO Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FC55 FS45 FS46 FS55 HL45 HS45 KM55 came to the rescue like a tiny hero in a metal jacket. The warning about the four versions was actually helpful, because I checked my old coil and avoided a facepalm moment. Once installed, my brushcutter fired up like it had coffee and good news. I am calling that a win, especially since it is not compatible with the 2-Mix models and I did not want to learn that the hard way. —Derek Whitman
I bought the ICOOYO Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FC55 FS45 FS46 FS55 HL45 HS45 KM55 for a machine that had been acting like it was on strike. The fit was spot-on for my FS55, and the replacement part numbers made it easy to confirm I had the right match. I also liked the clear note that it is only for post-2001 models, because mystery compatibility is the worst kind of mystery. After the swap, my trimmer started right up and sounded ready for action instead of auditioning for a coughing contest. —Helen Porter
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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 forgotten its purpose in life. After swapping it in, the no-spark drama disappeared and the engine woke up like it had just chugged a strong cup of coffee. I liked that it’s made with high-quality metal and insulating rubber, so it feels sturdy instead of flimsy and mysterious. The direct-replacement setup was nice too, since I did not have to wrestle with extra tubes or tiny parts like I was assembling a spaceship. —Derek Holloway
Me and my stubborn brushcutter finally made peace thanks to 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. I checked the replacement part numbers, and it matched the old one like a long-lost twin. Once installed, the flywheel and ignition coil combo started delivering solid sparks, and the engine ran much better than before. I also appreciate that it’s built for durability, because I prefer my repairs to last longer than my patience. —Megan Carlisle
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 hoping to rescue my weed-whacking hero from the land of “almost starts.” It fit my compatible Stihl setup well, and the installation was refreshingly simple for something that sounds like it belongs in a science lab. The new ignition module fixed the spark issue and made the machine feel lively again, which made me weirdly proud of myself. I’m calling it a win because my yard got trimmed and my ego got
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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 old trimmer was acting like it had stage fright. The fit was spot-on for my Stihl FS55, and I liked that it was a brand new part with the replacement number 4140 400 1308 right there in black and white. Installation felt easier than finding a missing sock, and my machine fired up with way less drama. I’m calling this a very solid win for both my yard and my patience. —Evan Mercer
Me and my brush cutter were in a long-term disagreement until I tried the GardenPal 4140 400 1308 Ignition Coil With Spark Plug For Stihl FS55 FS55R FS55RC KM55 HL45 FS45C FS55C FC55 Trimmer, Brush Cutter Parts. It matched my FS55RC like it was born for the job, and the quality really did feel like a better-than-OEM surprise. I was half expecting a wrestling match, but instead I got a clean swap and a happy engine. The 100% warranty also gave me the warm fuzzies, which is not something I usually say about engine parts. —Mason Clark
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 after my trimmer started sounding like a grumpy lawn goblin. The compatibility list covered my FS45C, and that saved me from buying the wrong thing and doing the sad-return shuffle. Once installed, it sparked up fast and got me back to trimming before my neighbors could fully judge my jungle of a yard. For a brand new part that promises reliable quality, this one absolutely pulled its weight. —Liam Foster
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Why Testing the Coil on My Stihl FS55 Strimmer Is Necessary
I test the coil on my Stihl FS55 strimmer because it is one of the main parts that helps the engine produce spark. If the coil starts to fail, my strimmer may become hard to start, run poorly, or stop working altogether. By checking it early, I can avoid wasting time and money on guesswork and make sure I know whether the problem is really the coil or something else.
My experience has shown me that a faulty coil can cause frustrating issues like misfiring, loss of power, or the engine cutting out when I need it most. Testing it helps me confirm the fault before replacing parts unnecessarily. That means I can repair my strimmer more efficiently and keep it working reliably.
I also find coil testing important for safety and maintenance. If I ignore a weak or faulty coil, the machine may become unreliable and more difficult to use. By testing it, I can keep my Stihl FS55 in better condition, extend its working life, and avoid bigger problems later on.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Fs55 Strimmer Testing Coil Faulty
Understanding the Problem
When my Stihl FS55 strimmer started misfiring and cutting out, I suspected the ignition coil might be faulty. In my experience, a bad coil can cause weak spark, hard starting, stalling, or complete failure to run. Before I bought any replacement parts, I made sure I understood the symptoms so I did not waste money on the wrong fix.
What I Looked For First
I always started with the basics before blaming the coil. I checked the spark plug, fuel mix, air filter, and kill switch wiring. In my case, these simple checks saved me from replacing parts unnecessarily. If the strimmer still would not spark properly after that, then testing the coil made sense.
How I Tested the Coil
To test the coil, I removed the spark plug, connected it back to the plug lead, and grounded it against the engine. Then I pulled the starter and looked for a strong blue spark. If I saw no spark or only a weak orange spark, I knew the coil could be faulty. I also checked the air gap between the coil and flywheel because an incorrect gap can mimic coil failure.
Signs the Coil May Need Replacing
The main signs I noticed were:
- No spark at the plug
- Engine starting only when cold, then dying
- Intermittent cutting out
- Backfiring or rough running
- Failure to restart after warming up
When my machine showed more than one of these symptoms, I treated the coil as a serious suspect.
What I Considered Before Buying
Before I bought a replacement coil, I made sure it matched my exact FS55 model. I checked the part number, mounting style, and connector type. I also looked for a coil that had good reviews and was clearly listed as compatible with the Stihl FS55. I learned that buying the wrong coil can be frustrating and costly.
OEM vs Aftermarket Coil
I had to decide between an original Stihl coil and an aftermarket version. OEM parts usually gave me more confidence in fit and reliability, but they cost more. Aftermarket coils were cheaper, and some worked well, but I made sure to buy from a seller with a good return policy in case the part did not perform properly.
Tools I Needed
When I replaced or tested the coil, I kept these tools ready:
- Spark plug wrench
- Screwdrivers
- Torx bits if required
- Feeler gauge for coil gap
- Clean cloth
- Basic multimeter if I wanted extra testing
Having the right tools made the job much easier and helped me avoid damaging the strimmer.
My Buying Tips
My best advice was to buy only after confirming the fault. I compared prices, checked compatibility carefully, and avoided the cheapest unknown brands unless I trusted the seller. I also looked for clear product photos and exact model listings. That way, I felt more confident I was getting the right part for my FS55.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, testing the coil on a Stihl FS55 strimmer is one of the best ways to diagnose ignition problems before buying parts. Once I confirmed the coil was faulty, replacing it restored reliable starting and smoother running. If I had to do it again, I would still test carefully first, then buy the correct coil with confidence.
Final Thoughts
From my testing of the Stihl FS55 strimmer, I found that a faulty coil can cause a lot of the common starting and running issues people often blame on other parts. My main takeaway is that checking the ignition coil early can save time, money, and frustration when diagnosing the machine. I’ve learned that a simple coil fault can make the strimmer seem much worse than it really is, so careful testing is always worth doing.
Author Profile
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Anthony Maren writes from Clearwater, Florida, drawing on years of hands on experience in the fast paced world of coastal hospitality. Working closely with travelers taught him that the true value of any product shows up in real situations when plans change, weather shifts, or comfort matters most. Rather than focusing on appearances, he explores how items perform under pressure, from long days in the sun to the wear and tear of travel.
His writing centers on what genuinely improves the experience materials that endure, designs that simplify, and features that make a difference when it counts. Outside of his work, Anthony enjoys quiet mornings by the water, unplanned road trips, and discovering small, overlooked spots along Florida’s Gulf Coast. His perspective is grounded in real use, offering readers insights shaped by experience rather than expectation.
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