Ignition System: Testing and Inspection
ON-VEHICLE INSPECTIONNOTE: In this section, the terms "Cold" and "Hot" refer to the temperature of the coils.
- "Cold" means approximately -10 to 50 °C (14 to 122 °F).
- "Hot" means approximately 50 to 100 °C (122 to 212 °F).
1. PERFORM SPARK TEST
a. Check for DTCs.
NOTE: If a DTC is present, perform troubleshooting procedures for that DTC.
b. Check if sparks occur.
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. Visually check that sparks occur while the engine is being cranked.
NOTE:
- Be sure to ground the spark plug when checking it.
- If the ignition coil has been struck or dropped, replace it.
- Do not crank the engine for more than 2 seconds.
If sparks occur, skip the spark test flowchart.
If sparks do not occur, proceed to the spark test flowchart.
c. Spark test flowchart.
1. Check that the wire harness side connector of the ignition coil with igniter is securely connected.
2. Perform a spark test on each ignition coil with igniter.
1. Replace the ignition coil with igniter with a normal one.
2. Perform the spark test again.
3. Check the power supply to the ignition coil with igniter.
1. Turn the ignition switch ON.
2. Check that there is battery voltage at the ignition coil positive (+) terminal.
4. Check the resistance of the camshaft position sensor.
5. Check the resistance of the crankshaft position sensor.
6. Check the IGT signal from the ECM.
d. Using a 16 mm plug wrench, install the spark plug.
Torque: 18 N.m(183 kgf.cm, 13 ft.lbf)
e. Install the ignition coil with the bolt.
2. CHECK SPARK PLUG
NOTE:
- Do not use a wire brush for cleaning.
- Do not attempt to adjust the electrode gap of a used spark plug.
a. Check the electrode.
1. Using a mega ohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.
Insulation resistance: 10 mohms or more
HINT: If a megohmmeter is not available, perform the following simple inspection instead.
b. Alternative inspection method:
1. Quickly accelerate the engine to 4,000 rpm 5 times.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Visually check the spark plug.
If the electrode is dry, the spark plug is functioning properly. If the electrode is damp, proceed to the next step.
c. Check the spark plug for any damage on its threads and insulator.
If there is damage, replace the spark plug. If not, reinstall the spark plug.
d. Check the spark plug electrode gap.
Maximum electrode gap for used spark plug: 1.3 mm (0.051 in.) If the gap is greater than the maximum, replace the spark plug.
Electrode gap for new spark plug: 1.0 to 1.1 mm (0.039 to 0.043 in.)
NOTE: When adjusting the gap of a new spark plug, bend only the base of the ground electrode. Do not touch the tip. Never attempt to adjust the gap of a used plug.
e. Clean the spark plugs.
If the electrode has traces of wet carbon, clean the electrode with a spark plug cleaner and then dry it.
Standard air pressure: 588 kPa (6 kgf/sq.cm, 85 psi)
Standard duration: 20 seconds or less
HINT: Only use the spark plug cleaner when the electrode is free of oil. If the electrode has traces of oil, use gasoline to clean off the oil before using the spark plug cleaner.