PROCEDURE
PERFORM SPARK TEST
Tech Tips
Perform "Inspection After Repair" after replacing a spark plug or ignition coil assembly.
Check for DTCs.
Note
If any DTCs are present, perform troubleshooting in accordance with the procedure for each DTC.
Remove the 4 ignition coil assemblies and 4 spark plugs.
Note
If the ignition coil assembly or spark plug has been struck or dropped, replace it.
Tech Tips
Arrange the removed parts in the correct order.
Disconnect the 4 fuel injector connectors.
Note
Perform this step in order to stop fuel injection to prevent damage to the catalyst due to unburned fuel.
Install the spark plug into the ignition coil assembly, and then connect the ignition coil assembly connector.
Ground the spark plug.
Check that spark occurs at each spark plug while the engine is being cranked.
Note
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 engine switch off during cranking to stop cranking.
If an ignition coil assembly has been struck or dropped, replace it.
If a spark plug has been struck or dropped, replace it.
If spark does not occur, perform the following procedure.
INSPECT IGNITION COIL ASSEMBLY
Tech Tips
Perform "Inspection After Repair" after replacing a spark plug or ignition coil assembly.
Perform the spark test in accordance with the following procedure.
Check that the ignition coil assembly connector is securely connected.
| Result | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Perform a spark test on each ignition coil assembly.
If there is a cylinder where sparks do not occur, replace its ignition coil assembly with the ignition coil assembly of a cylinder where sparks occur normally.
Crank the engine and visually check that sparks occur at the cylinder with the normally operating ignition coil assembly.
| Result | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Note
If the ignition coil assembly or spark plug has been struck or dropped, replace it.
Perform a spark test on each spark plug.
If there is a cylinder where sparks do not occur, replace its spark plug with the spark plug of a cylinder where sparks occur normally.
Crank the engine and visually check that sparks occur at the cylinder with the normally operating spark plug.
| Result | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Note
If the ignition coil assembly or spark plug has been struck or dropped, replace it.
Connect the 4 fuel injector connectors.
Install the 4 spark plugs and 4 ignition coil assemblies.
Note
If the ignition coil assembly or spark plug has been struck or dropped, replace it.
Tech Tips
Install the same parts to their original positions.
Check for DTCs.
Tech Tips
Reinstall the sensors, connectors, etc. and restore the previous vehicle conditions before rechecking for DTCs.
Clear the DTCs.
INSPECT SPARK PLUG
Note
Be careful not to damage the iridium tip or platinum tip of the spark plug.
Check the iridium tip visually as it is easily damaged.
Never attempt to adjust the electrode gap of a used spark plug.
If the spark plug is extremely dirty with oil, etc., replace it.
Replace a spark plug if it is damaged at all.
When installing a new spark plug, do not remove the protective cap from the spark plug tip until just before installing the spark plug to the engine.
If the spark plug has been struck or dropped, replace it.
Do not use a wire brush for cleaning.
| *a | Ground |
Check the electrode using a megohmmeter:
Using a megohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.
| Standard Insulation Resistance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tech Tips
If a megohmmeter is not available, perform the following simple inspection instead.
Alternative inspection method:
Start the engine.
Note
Do not perform this step when any of the following DTCs are output: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 (Cylinder Misfire Detected).
Quickly accelerate the engine to 4000 rpm 5 times.
Note
Do not perform this step when any of the following DTCs are output: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 (Cylinder Misfire Detected).
Remove the spark plug.
Visually check the spark plug.
Tech Tips
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| *a | Electrode Gap |
Reference:
Check the spark plug electrode gap.
| Maximum Electrode Gap for a Used Spark Plug |
|---|
| 1.3 mm (0.0512 in.) |
Note
Never attempt to adjust the electrode gap of a used plug.
If the electrode gap is more than the maximum, replace the spark plug.
| Electrode Gap for a New Spark Plug |
|---|
| 0.8 to 0.9 mm (0.0315 to 0.0354 in.) |
Install the spark plug.
PERFORM INITIALIZATION
Perform "Inspection After Repair" after replacing a spark plug or ignition coil assembly.