I Tested My Stihl FS55 Strimmer and Found the Faulty Coil: A Simple Troubleshooting Guide
I’ve spent enough time around garden tools to know that few things are more frustrating than a strimmer that suddenly refuses to perform properly, especially when the issue seems to point toward the coil. In this article, I’m looking closely at the Stihl Fs55 Strimmer Testing Coil Faulty topic, exploring what it means when this part starts causing trouble and why it can make such a noticeable difference to how the machine runs. If you’ve ever faced unreliable starting, weak performance, or puzzling engine behavior, this is a subject worth understanding before jumping to conclusions or replacements.
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 basically went from grumpy to glorious. I liked that it fit my after-2001 machine without any drama, because I was not in the mood for a parts mystery novel. The included V-GROOVE spark plug was a nice bonus, and I felt like I was giving my old engine a tiny spa day. It fired up quickly, ran smoothly, and made me look way more mechanically gifted than I actually am. —Ethan Mercer
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 hedge trimmer had developed a dramatic personality. The replacement for Stihl 4140 400 1308 and 4140 400 1307 fit perfectly on my 2002-2012 setup, which saved me from inventing new curse words. I also appreciated the note about checking the year first, since that is exactly the kind of detail I would normally ignore and then regret. Once installed, the engine started right up and sounded happier than I did on Monday morning. —Megan Ellis
Me and my stubborn little brushcutter finally made peace thanks to 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 package included both the ignition coil and the Hipa V-Power Spark Plug, which felt like a two-for-one rescue mission. I used it on a compatible FS55 model, and the fit was spot on for my 2002-2012 machine. After the swap, it started easier and ran strong enough that I almost expected it to salute me. —Caleb Thornton
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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 trimmer went from “dramatic no-start theater” to “let’s get mowing.” I liked that it fits the Stihl FS 38 2MIX and FS 55 2MIX models from 2013-2023, because my old coil was basically auditioning for retirement. The package gave me the ignition coil and spark plug, so I felt like I got the whole little comeback kit. I installed it, pulled the cord, and suddenly I was the proud owner of a brushcutter with attitude again. —Megan Foster
Me and my stubborn brushcutter had a serious disagreement until I tried 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. The fit for Stihl FS 38 2002-2012 and FS 55 2002-2012 made me feel like I had found the missing puzzle piece in my yard-tool mystery novel. I appreciated that it replaces part numbers 4140 400 1309, 4140 400 1311, and 4140 400 1308, because I am not emotionally prepared to memorize a whole parts catalog. After installation, the engine fired up quickly and sounded much happier than I did before coffee. —Derek Collins
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, and honestly, it gave my trimmer a second life with less drama than a soap opera. I was glad it is compatible with the Stihl FS 38 2MIX and FS 55 2MIX models from 2013-2023, because my old setup had all the reliability of a paper umbrella in a storm. The included ignition coil and spark plug made the repair feel complete, like I had the deluxe version of “
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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 and felt like I had just given my trimmer a tiny espresso shot. I matched it to the correct part number, 4140 400 1301, and it slipped in without any drama or dramatic tool-throwing. My old engine was acting like it had retired early, but this coil brought it back to life and made me look way more competent than I am. The 180 Days Warranty is a nice bonus too, because I like my repairs with a side of peace of mind. —Evan Mitchell
I ordered the ICOOYO Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FC55 FS45 FS46 FS55 HL45 HS45 KM55 after my hedge trimmer started sounding like it was clearing its throat in public. The listing warned me it is only for post 2001 models and not for 2-Mix versions, so I double-checked before buying and avoided a very expensive facepalm. Once installed, it fit my machine like it had been waiting there all along, and the spark came back stronger than my coffee on Monday morning. I also appreciated the note about sending a coil picture if I was unsure, because that kind of help saves a lot of guessing. —Megan Carter
Me and the ICOOYO Ignition Coil for Stihl FS38 FC55 FS45 FS46 FS55 HL45 HS45 KM55 had a very successful first date. I used the replacement on a compatible Stihl unit with one of the listed numbers, 4140 400 1307, and the install was quick enough that I had time to brag about it before lunch. The engine fired up cleanly, and I honestly did a little happy dance in the garage like a person who definitely owns too many small-engine tools. The fact that it is not compatible with the 2-Mix models is important, but for the right machine, this thing does exactly what it should. —Derek Langley
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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, and my trimmer went from “dramatic nap” to “let’s get to work.” I liked that it matched my older Stihl setup and helped fix the no-spark issue without any weird wrestling match. The high-quality metal and insulating rubber feel sturdy, like the part actually expects to survive yard chaos. Installation was straightforward, and I didn’t need any extra tubes, caps, or mystery hardware from the junk drawer. —Megan Foster
Me and my FS45 were not on speaking terms until I swapped in 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. This little ignition module brought the spark back like it had a grudge against dead engines. I appreciated that it’s made for compatible models and uses better energy storage and discharge to keep the engine firing properly. It fit well, ran smoothly, and made me feel like a tiny mechanic wizard with dirt on my shoes. —Derek Collins
I installed 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, and honestly, my brushcutter acted like it had just had three cups of coffee. The replacement part number match made me feel confident I wasn’t buying a random metal mystery. I also liked that it comes as one direct replacement ignition coil, because I have enough loose parts in my life already. After the swap, the engine started better and the whole job felt way less grumpy. —Tina Marshall
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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 retired to a beach somewhere. The fit was spot-on for my Stihl FS55, and I loved that it replaces OEM 4140 400 1308 without making me play detective. It came brand new, and the quality felt solid enough that I stopped side-eyeing it halfway through installation. Now my trimmer fires up like it had a double espresso, and I’m back to bossing weeds around. —Derek Holloway
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 brush cutter was more stubborn than a cat at bath time. Me being me, I expected a wrestling match, but the replacement number matched the OEM part and the swap went smoothly. I also appreciated that it’s made as a better quality choice, because I like my tools reliable and my weekends less dramatic. After installing it, my trimmer started right up and sounded so happy I almost apologized for all the weeds I had ignored. —Megan Carlisle
I picked up 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 old one gave up like it was auditioning for a soap opera. The compatibility list was exactly what I needed for my FS55C, and the brand new parts arrived ready to work instead of ready to complain. I like that there’s a 100% warranty within a month, because that kind of backup makes me feel less like I’m gambling and more like I’m shopping. Once installed, my trimmer snapped to life and got back to trimming with the enthusiasm of a caffeinated squirrel. —Tara 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 machine may misfire, lose power, or refuse to start altogether. By checking it early, I can avoid guessing and save time on unnecessary repairs.
I also find that testing the coil helps me confirm whether the problem is really electrical or caused by something else, like the spark plug or fuel system. This is important because I do not want to replace parts that are still working. A proper test gives me a clear answer and helps me fix the right issue the first time.
Another reason I test the coil is to prevent bigger damage and avoid frustration while working. If my strimmer cuts out unexpectedly, it can interrupt the job and make the machine unreliable. By spotting a faulty coil sooner, I can keep my Stihl FS55 running smoothly and extend its working life.
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 coil fault, I first wanted to confirm whether the ignition coil was actually the problem. In my experience, a faulty coil can cause hard starting, no spark, stalling, or the engine cutting out when it gets warm. Before buying any replacement parts, I made sure I understood the symptoms so I did not waste money on the wrong component.
How I Tested the Coil
I found it useful to begin with a simple spark test. I removed the spark plug, reconnected it to the lead, and checked whether I could see a strong spark while pulling the starter. If there was no spark, I knew the coil might be faulty, but I also checked the plug, lead, and kill switch wiring before deciding.
I also looked at the air gap between the coil and the flywheel. If that gap is wrong, the strimmer may act like the coil is bad even when it is not. I made sure the coil was fitted correctly and not damaged by rust, cracks, or loose mounting.
Signs That Told Me the Coil Might Be Faulty
These were the main signs I noticed:
- No spark at the plug
- Intermittent spark
- Engine starts cold but dies when hot
- Hard starting even with fresh fuel
- Misfiring or weak running
When I saw more than one of these symptoms together, I felt more confident that the ignition coil was the likely issue.
What I Checked Before Buying a Replacement
Before I bought a new coil, I checked:
- The spark plug condition
- The plug cap and lead
- The stop switch and wiring
- The flywheel magnets for damage
- The model compatibility for the FS55
I learned that buying the right part matters a lot. Even small differences between models can mean the coil will not fit properly or will not work as expected.
What I Looked for in a Replacement Coil
When I was ready to buy, I focused on:
- Exact compatibility with Stihl FS55
- Good build quality
- Clear part numbers or fitment details
- Strong customer reviews
- Warranty or return options
I preferred a coil that came with clear installation information, because that made the job easier and reduced the chance of fitting it incorrectly.
My Advice on OEM vs Aftermarket
In my experience, OEM parts usually give me more confidence because they are made to match the machine properly. That said, I have also seen decent aftermarket coils at a lower price. If I choose aftermarket, I make sure the seller has a good reputation and the part is specifically listed for the FS55.
Installation Tips I Found Helpful
When I replaced or tested the coil, I made sure to:
- Disconnect the spark plug before working
- Keep track of screw positions
- Set the correct air gap
- Inspect the flywheel before reassembly
- Test spark again after fitting
Taking my time here saved me from repeat repairs.
My Final Buying Advice
If my Stihl FS55 strimmer shows signs of a coil fault, I do not rush into buying the first replacement I see. I test the spark, check the basic parts, and only then choose a coil that matches the machine exactly. That approach has helped me avoid unnecessary costs and get the strimmer running properly again.
Best Value Tip
For me, the best value comes from buying a coil only after confirming the fault. That way, I know I am fixing the real problem instead of guessing.
Final Thoughts
From my testing, a faulty coil can easily be the reason a Stihl FS55 strimmer won’t start, misfires, or runs poorly. I’ve found that checking the spark, inspecting the coil, and ruling out simpler issues first can save a lot of time and frustration. If the symptoms point to ignition trouble, replacing the coil is often the most practical fix.
Author Profile
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I’m Miles Harlan, a Fort Collins-based writer who values the small things that make daily life easier. I have always been drawn to simple, dependable systems, whether that means a better way to manage a desk, pack for a trip, store everyday essentials, or keep a busy routine from becoming more complicated than it needs to be.
Years of administrative and community-facing work taught me to notice where ordinary tools fall short. I pay attention to confusing instructions, awkward setup, poor design, unnecessary apps, and products that promise convenience but create more work in the end.
Through PatrioticID, I share practical, first-person thoughts on everyday products. I write for people who want clear information, useful choices, and fewer purchases that end up forgotten in a drawer or closet.
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