Ignition System: Testing and Inspection

ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

NOTE: "Cold" and "Hot" in these sentences express the temperature of the coils themselves. "Cold" is from -10 °C (140 °F) to 50 °C (122 °F) and "Hot" is from 50 °C (122 °F) to 100 °C (212 °F).

1. INSPECT SPARK TEST
Check that the spark occurs.
1. Remove the ignition coil.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Install the spark plug to the ignition coil, and connect the ignition coil connector.
4. Disconnect the 8 injector connectors.
5. Ground the spark plug.
6. See if spark occurs while engine is being cranked.






NOTE: To prevent gasoline from being injected from injectors during this test, crank the engine for no more than 5 - 10 seconds at time.

If the spark does not occur, do the test as given:

2. INSPECT SPARK PLUGS

NOTE:
- Never use a wire brush for cleaning.
- Never attempt to adjust the electrode gap on a used spark plug.
- Spark plugs should be replaced every 200,000 km (120,000 miles).

a. Remove the 8 ignition coils.




b. Inspect the electrode.
Using a megger (insulation resistance meter), measure the insulation resistance.

Standard correct insulation resistance: 10 MOhm or more
If the resistance is less than specified, proceed to step (d).

HINT: If a megger is not available, these simple method of inspection provides fairly accurate results.




Simple Method:
- Quickly race the engine to 4,000 rpm 5 times.
- Remove the spark plug (See step (c)).
- Visually check the spark plug. If the electrode is dry ... Ok
If the electrode is wet... Proceed to step (d)
- Reinstall the spark plug (See step (g)).




c. Using a 16 mm plug wrench, remove the 8 spark plugs.




d. Visually check the spark plug for thread damage and insulator damage.
If abnormal, replace the spark plug.




e. Inspect the electrode gaps.

Correct electrode gap: 1.0 mm - 1.1 mm (0.039 - 0.043 in.)
Maximum electrode gap: 1.3 mm (0.051 in.)
If the gap is greater than maximum, replace the spark plug.




f. Clean the spark plugs.
If the electrode has traces of wet carbon, allow it to dry and then clean with a spark plug cleaner.

Air pressure: Below 588 kPa (6 kgf/sq.cm, 85 psi)
Duration: 20 seconds or less

HINT: If there are traces of oil, remove it with gasoline before using the spark plug cleaner.

g. Using a 16 mm plug wrench, install the 8 spark plugs.

Torque: 18 N.m (180 kgf.cm, 13 ft.lbf)

h. Reinstall the 8 ignition coil.

3. INSPECT IGNITION COILS (WITH IGNITERS) (See step 1)




4. INSPECT CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
a. Remove the 2 bolts, 2 cap nuts and V-bank cover.
b. Disconnect the sensor connector.




c. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between terminals.
If the resistance is not as specified, replace the sensor.
d. Reconnect the sensor connector.
e. Reinstall the V-bank cover with the 2 bolts and 2 cap nuts.




5. INSPECT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
a. Remove the sensor.




b. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the terminals
If the resistance is not as specified, replace the sensor.
c. Reinstall the sensor.