Checking The Ignition System
Checking the ignition system
Checking the engine
Warning! The ignition system operates at high voltages. Contact with the high tension circuit components, such as ignition coils and spark plug caps, is dangerous.
Caution! When fault-tracing the ignition coils, the corresponding injectors must be disconnected. This is to protect the three-way catalytic converter (TWC).
- Start the engine.
Does the engine run on only two cylinders?
Yes - Testing the function of the cylinders
No - Checking the ignition spark
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Testing the function of the cylinders
- Start the engine.
Disconnect the injectors in pairs - #1 and #4 or #2 and #3 - until it is possible to hear which two cylinders are not firing. Then fault-trace these two cylinders.
Continue - Checking the ignition spark
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Checking the ignition spark
- Ignition off.
- Disconnect one spark plug cap.
- Install a new spark plug in the spark plug cap.
- Place the spark plug against the engine.
Operate the starter motor. Check if there is a spark from the spark plug.
Is there a spark?
Yes - Checking the spark plugs
No - Checking cables visually
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Checking the spark plugs
- Ignition off.
- Remove the spark plugs.
See whether they spark plugs are dry.
Are the spark plugs dry?
Yes - Fault-tracing information
No - Replacing the component
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Fault-tracing information
The previous test indicates that the high tension side is functioning. Fault-tracing must therefore be carried out on the fuel side.
Continue - No Fault Found
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Replacing the component
Install new spark plugs in all cylinders.
Continue - Verification
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Checking cables visually
Check the ignition cables for damage, arcing and oxidation.
Are all the ignition cables OK?
Yes - Checking the ignition cables
No - Replacing the component
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Replacing the component
Try a new ignition cable.
Continue - Verification
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Checking the ignition cables
- Ignition off.
- Disconnect the spark plug caps.
- Disconnect the ignition cables from the ignition coils.
Connect an ohmmeter between the spark plug cap and the terminal for the coil for each cable.
The ohmmeter should read 1-2 kohms, depending on the length of the ignition cable.
OK - Replacing the component
Not OK - Replacing the component
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Replacing the component
Try a new ignition coil according to Ignition coil(s), replacement Removal and Replacement.
Continue - Verification
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Verification
Hint: Check after repair that the fault has been rectified.
- Ignition off.
- Reconnect the connectors, reinstall components etc.
Start the engine.
Does the engine run on all cylinders?
Yes - FAULT FOUND
No - No Fault Found Fault-tracing information
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Fault-tracing information
Information
Fault-tracing information
The fault should have been detected and remedied. As this is not the case fault-tracing has failed.
Exit fault-tracing for this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) or make another attempt.
Do you want to exit fault-tracing?
Yes - Exit fault-tracing
No - Attempt New Test
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Attempt New Test - Checking the engine
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