Ignition System: Testing and Inspection
ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION1. PERFORM SPARK TEST
a. Check for DTCs.
NOTE: If any DTC is present, perform troubleshooting procedures for that DTC.
b. Check if sparks occur.
1. Remove the ignition coils.
2. Using a 16 mm plug wrench, remove the spark plugs.
3. Install the spark plug to the ignition coil and connect the ignition coil connector.
4. Disconnect the 4 injector connectors.
5. Disconnect the 2 injector driver connectors by the given procedures: 1) move the lock lever in the direction indicated by the arrow to release the connector lock, then 2) disconnect the connectors with wire harness lock.
6. Ground the spark plug.
7. 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 procedures :
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. 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.
3. Inspect spark plug.
4. Check the power supply to the ignition coil with igniter.
1. Turn the engine switch on (IG).
2. Check that there is battery voltage at the ignition coil positive (+) terminal.
5. Check the VVT sensor.
6. Check the crankshaft position sensor.
7. Check the IGT, IGF signal circuit.
d. Using a 16 mm plug wrench, install the spark plugs.
Torque: 18 N.m (184 kgf.cm, 13 ft.lbf)
e. Connect the 2 injector driver connectors by the given procedures: 1) connect the connectors with wire harness lock, then 2) move the lock lever in the direction indicated by the arrow to lock the connector.
f. Connect the 4 injector connectors.
g. Install the ignition coils.
2. INSPECT 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 megohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.
Standard insulation resistance: 10 ohms or more
HINT: If a megohmmeter is not available, perform the given 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 for damage to the spark plug threads and insulated area.
NOTE:
- Do not damage the iridium or platinum chip areas.
- If the spark plug is very dirty as a result of combustion, etc., replace it.
- If replacing the spark plug with a new one, do not remove the new spark plug's protective cap until immediately before installing it.
- If the spark plug is dropped, replace it.
If there is any damage, replace the spark plug.
d. Reference:
Maximum electrode gap for a used spark plug: 1.4 mm (0.055 in.)
If the gap is greater than the maximum, replace the spark plug.
Electrode gap for a new spark plug: 1.0 to 1.1 mm (0.039 to 0.043 in.)
NOTE: Never attempt to adjust the gap of a plug.
If the electrode has traces of wet carbon, allow it to dry and then clean with a spark plug cleaner.
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.