Ignition System: Testing and Inspection

2AR-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 4 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 ignition 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 TEST

(a) Spark test flowchart.

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

Result





(2) Perform a spark test on a malfunctioning ignition coil with igniter.

1 Replace the ignition coil with a normal one.

2 Perform the spark test again.

Result





(3) Check the power supply to the ignition coil with igniter.

1 Turn the ignition switch to ON.

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

Result





(4) Inspect the spark plugs.

1 If there is a cylinder in which ignition does not occur, interchange the spark plug of that cylinder and the spark plug of a cylinder in which ignition properly occurs.

2 Check that sparks occur in the cylinder in which the properly functioning spark plug was installed.

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 4 injector connectors.

(6) Install the ignition coils and spark plugs Installation.

(b) Clear DTCs Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes.

3. CHECK SPARK PLUG

(a) Check the electrode.





(1) Using a megohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.

Standard Insulation Resistance:





Text in Illustration





HINT
If a megohmmeter is not available, perform the following simple inspection instead.

(b) Alternative inspection method:

(1) Start the engine.*

(2) Increase the engine speed to 4000 rpm and then let the engine speed decrease. Perform this operation 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 on its threads and insulator.

If there is damage, replace the spark plug.

Recommended Spark Plug:





(d) Check the spark plug electrode gap.

Maximum electrode gap for used spark plug:

1.3 mm (0.0512 in.)

If the gap is more than the maximum, replace the spark plug.

Electrode gap for new spark plug:

1.0 to 1.1 mm (0.0394 to 0.0433 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 a 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.