Ignition System On-Vehicle Inspection

Check for DTCs (Click here).

NOTICE:

If any DTC is output, perform troubleshooting procedures for that DTC.

Check if sparks occur.

1. Remove the ignition coils and spark plugs (Click here).
   

2. Install the spark plug to the ignition coil and connect the ignition coil connector.
   

3. Disconnect the 8 injector connectors.
   

4. Ground the spark plug.
   

5. Visually check that sparks occur while the engine is being cranked.
   

   NOTICE:

   1. When performing the inspection, be sure to ground the hexagonal portion or the threaded portion of the spark plug.
      
   2. Do not crank the engine for more than 2 seconds.
      For vehicles with a cranking hold function, turn the engine switch off during cranking to stop cranking.
      
   3. If an ignition coil assembly is struck or dropped, replace it with a new one.
      
   4. If a spark plug is struck or dropped, replace it with a new one.
      

6. If sparks do not occur normally in 1 or more cylinders, perform the "Ignition Coil and Spark Test" below.
   

Spark test flowchart.

1. Check that the wire harness side connector of the ignition coil is securely connected.
   

   Result

   Result	Proceed to
   NG	Connect securely
   OK	Go to next step

2. Perform a spark test on each ignition coil.
   

   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.
      

   Result

   Result	Proceed to
   OK	Replace ignition coil
   NG	Go to next step

3. Check the power supply to the ignition coil.
   

   1. Turn the engine switch on (IG).
      
   2. Check that there is battery voltage at the ignition coil positive (+) terminal.
      

   Result

   Result	Proceed to
   NG	Check wiring between battery and ignition coil
   OK	Go to next step

4. Inspect the spark plug.
   

   1. Replace the spark plug with a normal one.
      
   2. Perform a spark test.
      

   Result

   Result	Proceed to
   OK	Replace spark plug
   NG	Inspect the ignition system (Click here)

   NOTICE:

   1. If an ignition coil assembly is struck or dropped, replace it with a new one.
      
   2. If a spark plug is struck or dropped, replace it with a new one.
      

5. Connect the 8 injector connectors.
   

6. Install the ignition coils and spark plugs (Click here).
   

Check the electrode.

1. Using a megohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.
   

   Standard Insulation Resistance:

   Tester Connection	Condition	Specified Condition
   Spark plug (terminal part) - Body ground	Always	10 MΩ or higher

   Text in Illustration

   *1

   Ground

   If the result is not as specified, replace the spark plug.
   

   HINT:

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

Alternative inspection method:

1. Start the engine.*
   

2. Quickly accelerate the engine to 4000 rpm 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.
   

Check the spark plug for any damage to its threads and insulator.
If there is any damage, replace the spark plug.

Recommended Spark Plug:

Manufacturer	Type
DENSO	SK20HR11

Check the spark plug electrode gap.

Maximum electrode gap for a used spark plug:

1.3 mm (0.0512 in.)

Electrode gap for a new spark plug:

1.0 to 1.1 mm (0.0394 to 0.0433 in.)

NOTICE:

If adjusting the gap of a new spark plug, bend only the base of the ground electrode. Do not touch the tip. Never attempt to adjust the gap of a used plug.

Standard air pressure:

588 kPa (6.0 kgf/cm², 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.