Ignition System: Testing and Inspection

Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM) controls the ignition coils by pulsing the ignition control (IC) circuits, which triggers an ignition coil and fires the spark plug. The ECM controls the sequencing and the timing of each ignition coil. The ignition system consist of the following components:

* The six ignition coils
* The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor
* The four camshaft position (CMP) sensors
* The ECM

The ignition coils use the following circuits:

* An IC circuit
* An ignition 1 voltage circuit
* Two ground circuits

Diagnostic Aids

* Use the J 35616 Connector Test Adapter Kit for any test that requires probing the ECM harness connector or a component harness connector.
* The lower connector of the ECM is connector C1 and the upper connector of the ECM is connector C2. Refer to Engine Controls Component Views.
* Inspect the ignition coils for aftermarket devices. An aftermarket device connected to the ignition coil circuits, may cause a condition with the ignition coils.
* For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions. Intermittent Conditions

Test Description

Step 1 - Step 12:

Step 13:

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
4. The ignition coils for each bank are fused separately. If a fuse opens or the ignition 1 voltage circuit opens between the fuse and the splice, all the ignition coils for one bank of the engine would be inoperative. If the ground circuit opens at the engine block, the ignition coils would be inoperative for one bank of the engine.
5. This step tests for an open or a high resistance in the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the ignition coil. If the DMM does not display near battery voltage there is an open or a high resistance in the circuit.
6. This step determines if the ground circuit is open. If the circuit is open, the ignition coils would be inoperative for one bank of the engine.
7. This step determines if the ignition 1 voltage circuit is shorted to ground. If the fuse is open, the ignition coils would be inoperative for one bank of the engine.