IGNITION SYSTEM ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

Tech Tips

w/ Dual VVT-i:

Perform "Inspection After Repair" after replacing an ignition coil assembly or spark plug Click here.

PERFORM SPARK TEST
1. Check for DTCs.
  - w/ Dual VVT-i Click here
  - w/ Secondary Air Injection System Click here
  - w/o Secondary Air Injection System Click here
  Note
  
  If a DTC is present, perform troubleshooting procedures for that DTC.
2. Check if sparks occur.
  1. Remove the front seat assembly.
    - for Hi-back Seat Type Click here
    - for Low-back Seat Type Click here
    - for Split Bench Seat Type Click here
    - for Center Seat Type Click here
  2. Remove the front door scuff plate RH.
  3. Remove the 5 bolts and the engine service hole sub cover.
  4. Remove the ignition coil assembly.
  5. Using 16 mm plug wrench, remove the spark plug.
  6. Install the spark plug to the ignition coil assembly and connect the ignition coil connector.
  7. Disconnect the 4 injector connectors.
  8. Ground the spark plug.
  9. Visually check that sparks occur while the engine is being cranked.
    Note
    - Be sure to ground the spark plug before checking.
    - If the ignition coil has been struck or dropped, replace it.
    - Do not crank the engine for more than 2 seconds.

INSPECT IGNITION COIL AND SPARK TEST

Spark test flowchart.

Tech Tips

w/ Dual VVT-i:

Perform "Inspection After Repair" after replacing an ignition coil assembly or spark plug Click here.

Check that the wire harness side connector of the ignition coil assembly with igniter is securely connected.

Result

Result	Proceed to
NG	Connect securely
OK	Go to next step

Perform spark test on each ignition coil assembly with igniter.

Replace the ignition coil assembly with igniter with a normal one.
Perform spark test again.

Result

Result	Proceed to
OK	Replace ignition coil assembly with igniter
NG	Go to next step

Check the spark plug.

Result

Result	Proceed to
NG	Replace spark plug
OK	Go to next step

Check the power supply to ignition coil assembly with igniter.

Turn the ignition switch to ON.
Check that there is battery voltage at the ignition coil positive (+) terminal.

Result (w/ Dual VVT-i)

Result	Proceed to
NG	Check wiring between engine switch and ignition coil assembly with igniter
OK	Go to check crankshaft position sensor

Result (w/o Dual VVT-i)

Result	Proceed to
NG	Check wiring between engine switch and ignition coil assembly with igniter
OK	Go to next step

w/o Dual VVT-i:

Check the camshaft position sensor Click here.

Result

Result	Proceed to
NG	Replace camshaft position sensor
OK	Go to next step

Check the crankshaft position sensor Click here.

Result

Result	Proceed to
NG	Replace crankshaft position sensor
OK	Go to next step

Check IGT signal from the ECM.

Result

Result	Proceed to
NG	Check ECM
OK	Repair wiring between ignition coil and ECM

Install the ignition coil assembly.
1. Using a 16 mm plug wrench, install the spark plug.
  
  Torque:
  
  18 N*m { 183 kgf*cm, 13 ft.*lbf }
2. Install the ignition coil assembly.
  
  Torque:
  
  9.0 N*m { 92 kgf*cm, 80 in.*lbf }
3. Install the engine service hole sub cover with the 5 bolts.
  
  Torque:
  
  13 N*m { 133 kgf*cm, 10 ft.*lbf }
4. Install the front door scuff plate RH.
5. Install the front seat assembly.
  - for Hi-back Seat Type Click here
  - for Low-back Seat Type Click here
  - for Split Bench Seat Type Click here
  - for Center Seat Type Click here

CHECK SPARK PLUG

Note

Do not use a wire brush for cleaning.
Do not attempt to adjust the electrode gap of a used spark plug.

Tech Tips

w/ Dual VVT-i:

Perform "Inspection After Repair" after replacing an spark plug Click here.

Text in Illustration
*a	Body Ground

Check the electrode.

Using a megohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.

Standard Insulator Resistance

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

Tech Tips

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

Alternative inspection method.
1. Quickly accelerate the engine to 4000 rpm 5 times.
2. Remove the spark plug.
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.

Check the spark plug for any damage to its threads and insulator.

If there is damage, replace the spark plug. If not, reinstall the spark plug.

Recommended spark plug (w/ Dual VVT-i)

Manufacture	Product
DENSO made	FK20HR-A8

Recommended spark plug (w/o Dual VVT-i)

Manufacture	Product
DENSO made	SK20HR-A11

w/ Dual VVT-i:

Check the spark plug electrode gap.

Maximum electrode gap for used spark plug

1.1 mm (0.0433 in.)

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

Electrode gap for new spark plug

0.7 to 0.8 mm (0.0276 to 0.0315 in.)

Note

When 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.
w/o Dual VVT-i:

Check the spark plug electrode gap.

Maximum electrode gap for used spark plug

1.3 mm (0.0512 in.)

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

Electrode gap for new spark plug

1.0 to 1.1 mm (0.0394 to 0.0433 in.)

Note

When 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.
Clean the spark plugs.

If the electrode has traces of wet carbon, clean the electrode with a spark plug cleaner and then dry it.

Air pressure

588 kPa (6.0 kgf/cm², 85 psi)

Duration

20 seconds or less

Tech Tips

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.