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DESCRIPTION
The ECU is programmed with data for optimum ignition timing under any and a\
ll operating conditions. Using
data provided by sensors which monitor various engine functions (rpm, i\
ntake air volume, engine temperature,
etc.) the microcomputer (ECU) triggers the spark at precisely the right ins\
tant.
The ECU monitors the engine condition by signals from each sensor, calculates the ignition timing and sends
an ignition signal to the igniter. High voltage from the ignition is distributed to each spark plug in th\
e appropriate
order to generate a spark between the electrodes, which ignites the air±fu\
el mixture.
IGNITERS The igniter temporarily interrupts the primary current with the ignition si\
gnal (IGT signal) from the ECU and
generates sparks at the spark plug. Also, as a fail±safe measure, when ignitio\
n occurs, an ignition confirmation
signal (IGF signal) is sent to the ECU.
IGNITION COIL
The ignition coil uses a closed core coil with the primary coil wrapped \
around the core and the secondary
coil wrapped around the primary coil. This allows the generation of a hi\
gh voltage sufficient to cause a spark
to jump across the spark plug gap.
DISTRIBUTORS
This correctly distributes high voltage to the spark plug of each cylind\
er in the specified ignition order.
ENGINE SPEED SENSOR The engine speed sensor detects the crank angle.
CAM POSITION SENSORS The RH and LH cam position sensors detect the cam angle.
IG±2
±
IGNITION SYSTEM Description
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PRECAUTIONS
1. Do not leave the ignition switch on for more than 10minutes if the engine will not start.
2. With a tachometer connected to the system, connect the tester probe of the tachometer to terminal IG
of the
check (ºDIAGNOSISº) connector.
HINT:
wAllow the engine to warm up to normal operation
temperature.
w Set the tachometer to the 4±cylinder range.
3. As some tachometers are not compatible with this ignition system, we recommend that you confirm the
compatibility of your unit before use.
4. Never allow the tachometer terminal to touch ground as this could damage the igniter and/or ignition coil.
5. Do not disconnect the battery when the engine is running.
6. Check that the igniter is properly grounded to the body.
±
IGNITION SYSTEM PrecautionsIG±3
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SYSTEM CIRCUIT
OPERATION
To maintain the most appropriate ignition timing, the ECU sends a control \
signal so that the igniter sends
current to the ignition coil and the spark plugs produce a spark. IG±4
±
IGNITION SYSTEM System Circuit, Operation
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PREPARATION
SST (SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS)
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
EQUIPMENT
Part NameNote
Engine tune±up testerIgnition timing
Megger (Insulation resistance meter)Spark plug
Spark plug cleaner
Torque wrench
16 mm plug wrench
±
IGNITION SYSTEM PreparationIG±5
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ON±VEHICLE INSPECTION
SPARK TEST
CHECK THAT SPARK OCCURS(a) Remove the No.3 timing belt covers.(See steps 2 to 8 on pages IG±11 to 13)
(b) Disconnect the high±tension cords (from the ignition
coils) from the distributor caps.
(c) Hold the end about 12.5 mm (0.50 in.) from the body ground.
(d) Check if spark occurs while engine is being cranked.
HINT: To prevent gasoline from being injected from injectors
during this test, crank the engine for no more than 1±2 se-
conds at a time.
If the spark does not occur, perform the test as follows:
(e) Reconnect the high±tension cords to the distributor caps.
(f) Reinstall the No.3 timing belt covers. (See steps 5 to 11 on pages IG±17 to 19)
IG±6
±
IGNITION SYSTEM On±Vehicle Inspection
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INSPECTION OF HIGH±TENSION CORDS
1. REMOVE HIGH±TENSION CORDS(See steps 1 to 9 on pages IG±11 to 14)
2. INSPECT HIGH±TENSION CORD RESISTANCE
Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance.
Maximum resistance: 25 k per cord
If the resistance is greater than maximum, replace the high±
tension cord.
3. REINSTALL HIGH±TENSION CORDS (See steps 4 to 13 on pages IG±11 to 19)
INSPECTION OF SPARK PLUGS
NOTICE:
wNever use a wire brush for cleaning.
w Never attempt to adjust the electrode gap on used spark
plug.
w Spark plug should be replaced every 100,000 km (60,000
miles).
1. DISCONNECT HIGH±TENSION CORDS FROM SPARK
PLUGS (See steps 1 to 9 on pages IG±11 to 13)
2. INSPECT ELECTRODE
Using a megger (insulation resistance meter), measure the
insulation resistance.
Correct insulation resistance: 10 M or more
If the resistance is less than specified, proceed to step 4.
HINT: If a megger is not available, the following simple meth-
od of inspection provides fairy accurate results.
(Simple Method)
(a) Quickly race the engine to 4,000 rpm five times.
(b) Remove the spark plug. (See step 3)
(c) Visually check the spark plug.
If the electrode is dry. . . . . Okay
If the electrode is wet . . . . . Proceed to step 4
(d) Reinstall the spark plug.
(See step 7 on page IG±8)
3. REMOVE SPARK PLUGS Using a 16 mm plug wrench, remove the spark plugs.
±
IGNITION SYSTEM On±Vehicle InspectionIG±7
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4. VISUALLY INSPECT SPARK PLUGSCheck the spark plug for thread damage and insulator dam-
age.
If abnormal, replace the spark plug.
Recommended spark plug: ND PK20R11
NGK BKR6EP11
5. INSPECT ELECTRODE GAP
Maximum electrode gap: 1.3 mm (0.051 in.)
If the gap is greater than maximum, replace the spark plug.
Correct electrode gap of new spark plug:1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
NOTICE: If adjusting the gap of a new spark plug, bent
only the base of the ground electrode. Do not touch the
tip. Never attempt to adjust the gap on the used plug.
6. CLEAN SPARK PLUGS 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/cm2, 85 psi)
Duration: 20 seconds or less
HINT: If there are traces of oil, remove it with gasoline before
using the spark plug cleaner.
7. REINSTALL SPARK PLUGS Using a 16 mm plug wrench, install the spark plug.
Torque: 18 N Vm (180 kgf Vcm, 13 ft Vlbf)
8. RECONNECT HIGH±TENSION CORDS TO SPARK
PLUGS
(See steps 4 to 13 on pages IG±16 to 19)
IG±8
±
IGNITION SYSTEM On±Vehicle Inspection
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INSPECTION OF IGNITION COIL
1. (RH IGNITION COIL)REMOVE IGNITION COIL (See page IG±21)
2. (LH IGNITION COIL)
DISCONNECT IGNITION COIL CONNECTOR AND HIGH±
TENSION CORD FROM IGNITION COIL
3. INSPECT PRIMARY COIL RESISTANCE Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between posi-
tive (+) and negative (±) terminals.
Primary coil resistance (Cold): 0.40±0.50
If the resistance is not as specified, replace the ignition coil.
4. INSPECT SECONDARY COIL RESISTANCE Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between posi-
tive (+) and high±tension terminals.
Secondary coil resistance (Cold): 10.0±14.0 k
If the resistance is not as specified, replace the ignition coil.
5. (RH IGNITION COIL) REINSTALL IGNITION COIL (See page IG±22)
6. (LH IGNITION COIL) RECONNECT IGNITION COIL CONNECTOR AND HIGH±
TENSION CORD FROM IGNITION COIL
±
IGNITION SYSTEM On±Vehicle InspectionIG±9
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