Ignition System: Testing and Inspection
3MZ-FE IGNITION: IGNITION SYSTEM: ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
1. SUSPEND IGNITION COIL ASSEMBLY
(a) Check for DTCs.
NOTE: If any DTC is present, perform troubleshooting in accordance with the procedure for that DTC.
(b) Check that spark occurs.
(1) Activate inspection mode Component Tests and General Diagnostics.
(2) Warm up and stop the engine.
(3) Remove the intake air surge tank Removal.
NOTE: If the throttle body connector is disconnected, a DTC will be set. Therefore, reconnect the throttle body connector before performing spark test.
(4) Disconnect the 6 fuel injector connectors.
(5) Remove the ignition coils assembly Removal.
NOTE: If the ignition coil assembly connector is disconnected, a DTC will be set. Therefore, reconnect the ignition coil assembly connector before performing spark test.
(6) Using a 16 mm (0.63 in.) plug wrench, remove the spark plugs Removal.
(7) Install the spark plug to the ignition coil, and connect the ignition coil connector.
NOTE: If the ignition coil assembly connector is disconnected, a DTC will be set. Therefore, reconnect the ignition coil assembly connector before performing spark test.
(8) Activate inspection mode Component Tests and General Diagnostics.
(9) Ground the spark plug.
(10) Depress and hold the brake pedal, and turn the power switch on (READY).
(11) Visually check that spark occurs while the engine is being cranked.
NOTE:
- Turn the power switch off within 2 seconds to stop the engine.
- Be sure to ground the spark plugs during the inspection.
- Replace the ignition coil if it receives an impact.
HINT: Turning the power switch off will cancel inspection mode. Therefore, activate inspection mode every time a spark test is performed.
(c) Perform the spark test according to the flowchart below:
(1) Check that the ignition coil connector is securely connected.
Result:
(2) Perform a spark test on each ignition coil.
1. Replace the ignition coil with a known good one.
2. Perform the spark test again.
Result:
(3) Check the spark plug (refer to INSPECT SPARK PLUG).
Result:
(4) Check the power supply to the ignition coil.
1. Turn the power switch on (IG).
2. Check that there is battery voltage at the ignition coil positive (+) terminal.
Result:
(5) Measure the resistance of the crankshaft position sensor Testing and Inspection.
Result:
(6) Check the IGT signal from the hybrid vehicle control ECU P0351.
Result:
(d) Using a 16 mm plug wrench, install the spark plugs Installation.
Torque: 18 Nm (183 kgf-cm, 13 ft-lbf)
(e) Connect the 6 fuel injector connectors.
(f) Install the ignition coil assembly Installation.
2. INSPECT SPARK PLUG
NOTICE:
- Never use a wire brush for cleaning.
- Never attempt to adjust the electrode gap on a used spark plug.
(a) Check the electrode.
(1) Using a megohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.
Standard insulation resistance:
10 MOhms or higher
HINT:
- If the result is below 10 MOhms, clean the plug and measure the resistance again.
- If a megohmmeter is not available, perform the following inspection instead.
(b) Alternative inspection method:
(1) Quickly accelerate the engine to 4000 rpm 5 times.
(2) Remove the spark plugs.
(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 to its threads and insulator. If there is damage, replace the spark plug.
Recommended spark plug:
NOTE: Use only the listed spark plug or equivalent to ensure engine performance and smooth driveability.
(d) Check the spark plug electrode gap.
Maximum electrode gap for a used spark plug:
1.3 mm (0.051 in.)
If the gap is greater than the maximum, replace the spark plug.
Electrode gap for a new spark plug (for reference):
1.0 to 1.1 mm (0.039 to 0.043 in.)
(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/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.
(f) Install the ignition coil assembly and spark plug Installation.