Ignition System: Testing and Inspection

ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

NOTE: In this section, the terms "cold" and "hot" refer to the temperature of the coils. "Cold" means approximately -10 to 50 degrees C (14 to 122 degrees F). "Hot" means approximately 50 to 100 degrees C (122 to 212 degrees 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 6 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.
- If the ignition coil has been struck or dropped, replace it.
- Do not crank the engine for more than 2 seconds.




c. Perform the spark test according to the flowchart is as given.

1. Check that the wire harness side connector of ignition coil with igniter is securely connected.

2. Perform a spark test on each ignition coil with igniter.
1. Replace ignition coil with igniter with a normal one.
2. Perform spark test again.




3. Check the power supply to ignition coil with igniter.
1. Turn the engine switch on (IG).




2. Check that there is battery voltage at ignition coil positive (+) terminal.




4. Check the VVT sensor output voltage.







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 coils.

2. CHECK VVT SENSOR OUTPUT VOLTAGE




a. Turn the engine switch on (IG).







b. Check the voltage between the terminal.

c. While turning the crankshaft pulley by hand, measure the voltage between each terminal. Check that the voltage changes between the Hi range and Lo range shown in the table.

3. 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 megaohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.

Insulation resistance: 10 MOhms or more

HINT: If a megaohmmeter 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.

HINT: 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: 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.