Ignition System: Testing and Inspection

2AR-FXE 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) Remove the ignition coil assemblies and spark plugs Removal.

(c) Disconnect the 4 injector connectors.





(d) Install the spark plug into the ignition coil assembly, and then connect the ignition coil connector.

(e) Ground the spark plug.





(f) Check that spark occurs at each spark plug while the engine is being cranked.

NOTICE:
* Be sure to ground the spark plugs when checking them.
* Do not crank the engine for more than 2 seconds.
Cranking will stop if the power switch is pushed again for models with cranking holding function.
* If a spark plug has been struck or dropped, replace it.
* If an ignition coil assembly has been struck or dropped, replace it.

HINT
If spark does not occur for any cylinder, perform the following Inspect Ignition Coil and Spark Test procedure.

(g) Connect the 4 fuel injector connectors.





(h) Install the spark plugs and ignition coil assemblies Installation.

(i) Check for DTCs Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes.

(j) Clear the DTCs Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes.

2. INSPECT IGNITION COIL AND SPARK TEST

HINT
Perform "Inspection After Repair" after replacing the spark plug and ignition coil assembly Programming and Relearning.

(a) Check that the wire harness side connector of the ignition coil assembly is securely connected.

Result





(b) Perform a spark test on each ignition coil assembly.

(1) Replace the ignition coil assembly with a known good one.

(2) Perform the spark test again.

Result





(c) Perform a spark test on each spark plug.

(1) Replace the spark plug with a known good one.

(2) Perform the spark test again.

Result





3. CHECK SPARK PLUG

NOTICE:
* Do not use a wire brush for cleaning.
* Do not adjust the electrode gap of a used spark plug.

HINT
Perform "Inspection After Repair" after replacing the spark plug Programming and Relearning.

(a) Check the electrode using a megohmmeter:





Text in Illustration





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

Standard Insulation Resistance:





HINT
* If the result is not as specified, clean the spark plug with a spark plug cleaner and measure the resistance again.
* If a megohmmeter is not available, perform the following simple inspection instead.

(b) Alternative inspection method:





(1) Quickly accelerate the engine to 4000 rpm 5 times.

(2) Remove the spark plug Removal.

(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 to its thread and insulator.

If there is any damage, replace the spark plug.

Recommended Spark Plug:





(d) Reference:

(1) Check the spark plug electrode gap.





Maximum electrode gap for a used spark plug:

1.1 mm (0.0433 in.)

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

NOTICE:
Never attempt to adjust the gap of a used plug.

Electrode gap for a new spark plug:

0.7 to 0.8 mm (0.0276 to 0.0315 in.)

Text in Illustration





(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 (6.0 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.

(f) Install the spark plug Installation.