Ignition System: Testing and Inspection
1UR-FE ENGINE CONTROL: IGNITION SYSTEM: ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
1. PERFORM SPARK TEST
(a) Check for DTCs Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
NOTICE:
If any DTC is output, perform troubleshooting procedures for that DTC.
(b) Check if sparks occur.
(1) Remove the ignition coils and spark plugs Removal.
(2) Install the spark plug to the ignition coil and connect the ignition coil connector.
(3) Disconnect the 8 injector connectors.
(4) Ground the spark plug.
(5) Visually check that sparks occur while the engine is being cranked.
NOTICE:
* When performing the inspection, be sure to ground the hexagonal portion or the threaded portion of the spark plug.
* Do not crank the engine for more than 2 seconds.
For vehicles with a cranking hold function, turn the engine switch off during cranking to stop cranking.
* If an ignition coil assembly is struck or dropped, replace it with a new one.
* If a spark plug is struck or dropped, replace it with a new one.
2. INSPECT IGNITION COIL AND SPARK PLUG
(a) Spark test flowchart.
(1) Check that the wire harness side connector of the ignition coil is securely connected.
Result
(2) Perform a spark test on each ignition coil.
1 If there is a cylinder where sparks do not occur, replace its ignition coil with the ignition coil of a cylinder where sparks occur normally.
2 Crank the engine and visually check that sparks occur at the cylinder with the normally operating ignition coil.
Result
(3) Check the power supply to the ignition coil.
1 Turn the engine switch on (IG).
2 Check that there is battery voltage at the ignition coil positive (+) terminal.
Result
(4) Inspect the spark plug.
1 Replace the spark plug with a normal one.
2 Perform a spark test.
Result
NOTICE:
* If an ignition coil assembly is struck or dropped, replace it with a new one.
* If a spark plug is struck or dropped, replace it with a new one.
(5) Connect the 8 injector connectors.
(6) Install the ignition coils and spark plugs Installation.
3. INSPECT SPARK PLUG
NOTICE:
* 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 megohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.
Standard Insulation Resistance:
Text in Illustration
If the result is not as specified, replace the spark plug.
HINT
If a megohmmeter is not available, perform the following simple inspection instead.
(b) Alternative inspection method:
(1) Start the engine.*
(2) Quickly accelerate the engine to 4000 rpm 5 times.*
NOTICE:
*: Do not perform this step if P0300 (misfire detection) or a related DTC is stored.
(3) Remove the spark plug.
(4) 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 to its threads and insulator.
If there is any damage, replace the spark plug.
Recommended Spark Plug:
(d) Check the spark plug electrode gap.
Maximum electrode gap for a used spark plug:
1.3 mm (0.0512 in.)
If the gap is more than the maximum, replace the spark plug.
Electrode gap for a new spark plug:
1.0 to 1.1 mm (0.0394 to 0.0433 in.)
NOTICE:
If 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.
If the electrode has traces of wet carbon, allow it to dry and then clean it with a spark plug cleaner.
Standard air pressure:
588 kPa (6.0 kgf/cm2, 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.