Ignition System: Testing and Inspection
ON-VEHICLE INSPECTIONNOTE: "Cold" and "Hot" in these sentences express the temperature of the coils themselves. "Cold" is from -10 °C (14 °F) to 50 °C (122 °F) and "Hot" is from 50 °C (122 °F) to 100 °C (212 °F).
1. INSPECT IGNITOR AND SPARK TEST
Check that the spark occurs.
1. Disconnect high-tension cords from spark plug.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Install the spark plug to each high-tension cord.
4. Ground the spark plug.
5. Check if spark occurs while engine is being cranked.
NOTE: To prevent excess fuel being injected from the injectors during this test, do not crank the engine for more 5 - 10 seconds at a time.
If the spark does not occur, do the test as follows:
2. INSPECT HIGH-TENSION CORDS
a. Remove the air cleaner cap and MAF meter assembly.
b. Disconnect the high-tension cords from the spark plugs. Disconnect the high-tension cords at the rubber boot.
DO NOT pull on the cords.
NOTE: Pulling on or bending the cords may damage the conductor inside.
c. Disconnect the high-tension cords from the ignition coils.
1. Using a screwdriver, lift up the lock claw and disconnect the holder from the ignition coils.
2. Disconnect the high-tension cord at the grommet.
DO NOT pull on the cord.
NOTE:
- Pulling on or bending the cords may damage the conductor inside.
- Do not wipe any of the oil from the grommet after the high-tension cord is disconnected.
d. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance.
Maximum resistance: 25 kohms per cord
If the resistance is greater than the maximum, check the terminals. If necessary, replace the high-tension cord.
e. Connect the high-tension cords to the ignition coils.
1. Assemble the holder and grommet.
2. Align the spline of the ignition coil with the spline of the holder, and push in the cord.
NOTE: Check that the holder is correctly Installed to the grommet and distributor cap as shown in the illustration.
3. Check that the lock claw of the holder is engaged by lightly pulling the holder.
f. Connect the high-tension cords to the spark plugs.
g. Install the air cleaner cap and MAF meter assembly.
3. INSPECT SPARK PLUGS
a. Disconnect the high-tension cords from the spark plugs.
b. Remove the ignition coils.
c. Using a 16 mm plug wrench, remove the 6 spark plugs from the RH and LH cylinder heads.
d. If the electrode has traces of wet carbon, allow it to dry and then clean with a spark plug cleaner.
Air pressure: Below 588 kPa (6 kgf/sq.cm, 85 psi)
Duration: 20 seconds or less
HINT: If there are traces of oil, remove it with gasoline before using the spark plug cleaner.
e. Check the spark plug for thread damage and insulator damage.
If abnormal, replace the spark plug.
f. Carefully bend the outer electrode to obtain the correct electrode gap.
Correct electrode gap: 1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
g. Using a 16 mm plug wrench, install the spark plug.
Torque: 18 N.m (180 kgf.cm, 13 ft.lbf)
h. Install the ignition coils.
i. Connect the high-tension cords.
4. INSPECT IGNITION COIL
a. Remove the air cleaner hose.
b. Disconnect the high-tension cords and ignition coil connectors from the ignition coils.
c. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
Primary coil resistance:
If the resistance is not as specified, replace the ignition coil.
d. Remove the ignition coils.
e. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the positive (+) and high-tension terminals.
Secondary coil resistance:
If the resistance is not as specified, replace the ignition coil.
f. Install the ignition coils.
g. Connect the ignition coil connectors and high-tension cords.
h. Install the air cleaner hose.
5. INSPECTION CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
a. Disconnect the camshaft position sensor connector.
b. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between terminals.
Resistance:
If the resistance is not as specified, replace the camshaft position sensor.
c. Connect the camshaft position sensor connector.