
IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - IGNITION TIMING.......2
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 2.4L 4-CYLINDER . 2
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 3.7L V-6.........2
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 2.4L........2
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6.....3
SPARK PLUGS........................3
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE - 2.4L . . . 3
TORQUE - IGNITION SYSTEM............3
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT.............4
OPERATION
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT....4
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT.............4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS........................4
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 2.4L....................5
DESCRIPTION-3.7L.....................6
OPERATION
OPERATION - 2.4L.....................6OPERATION - 3.7L.....................6
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................8
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS.........................13
REMOVAL.............................15
CLEANING SPARK PLUGS................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The ignition system consists of:
²Spark Plugs
²Ignition Coil(s)
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
²2 Knock Sensors (3.7L only)
²Camshaft Position Sensor
²The MAP, TPS, IAC and ECT also have an effect
on the control of the ignition system.
OPERATION
2.4L
A common ignition coil divided into 2 halves is
used. Secondary, high-tension spark plug cables are
also used. One half of the coil fires two spark plugs
simultaneously (one plug is the cylinder under com-pression, and the other plug is the cylinder on the
exhaust stroke). Coil half number one fires cylinders
1 and 4. Coil half number two fires cylinders 2 and 3.
The PCM determines which of the coils to charge and
fire at the correct time.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a
ground contact (circuit) for energizing the coil. When
the PCM breaks the contact, the energy in the coil
primary transfers to the secondary causing a spark.
The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it does
not receive inputs from either the crankshaft or cam-
shaft position sensors.
A distributor is not used with the 2.4L engine.
3.7L
The 3.7L V6 engine uses a separate ignition coil for
each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly to the
cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary ter-
minal ends of the coils to the top of all 6 spark plugs.
A separate electrical connector is used for each coil.
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1

Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. A distributor is not used
with the 3.7L engine.
Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to each ignition coil. The Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) provides a ground contact (circuit) for
energizing each coil. When the PCM breaks the con-
tact, the energy in the coil primary transfers to the
secondary causing a spark. The PCM will de-energize
the ASD relay if it does not receive inputs from
either the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - IGNITION TIMING
Ignition timing is not adjustable on any
engine.
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 2.4L 4-CYLINDER1-3-4-2
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 3.7L V-61-6-5-4-3-2
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 2.4L
Engine Coil ManufacturePrimary Resistance at
21ÉC-27ÉC (70ÉF-80ÉF)Secondary Resistance at
21ÉC-27ÉC (70ÉF-80ÉF)
2.4L Toyodenso or Diamond 0.51 to 0.61 Ohms 11,500 to 13,500 Ohms
Fig. 1 IGNITION COIL - 2.4L
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT
The 5±pin, 12±volt, Automatic Shutdown (ASD)
relay is located in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.
OPERATION
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT
A 12 volt signal at this input indicates to the PCM
that the ASD has been activated. The relay is used to
connect the oxygen sensor heater elements, oxygen
sensor heater relay, ignition coil and fuel injectors to
12 volt + power supply.
This input is used only to sense that the ASD relay
is energized. If the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) does not see 12 volts at this input when the
ASD should be activated, it will set a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC).
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT
The ASD relay supplies battery voltage (12+ volts)
to the fuel injectors and ignition coil(s). With certain
emissions packages it also supplies 12±volts to the
oxygen sensor heating elements and the oxygen sen-
sor heater relay.
The ground circuit for the coil within the ASD
relay is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM operates the ASD relay by switch-
ing its ground circuit on and off.
The ASD relay will be shut±down, meaning the
12±volt power supply to the ASD relay will be de-ac-
tivated by the PCM if the ignition key is left in the
ON position. This is if the engine has not been run-
ning for approximately 1.8 seconds.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS
The following description of operation and
tests apply only to the Automatic Shutdown
(ASD) and fuel pump relays. The terminals on the
bottom of each relay are numbered. Two different
types of relays may be used, (Fig. 2) or (Fig. 3).
²Terminal number 30 is connected to battery volt-
age. For both the ASD and fuel pump relays, termi-
nal 30 is connected to battery voltage at all times.
²The PCM grounds the coil side of the relay
through terminal number 85.
²Terminal number 86 supplies voltage to the coil
side of the relay.
²When the PCM de-energizes the ASD and fuel
pump relays, terminal number 87A connects to termi-
nal 30. This is the Off position. In the off position,voltage is not supplied to the rest of the circuit. Ter-
minal 87A is the center terminal on the relay.
²When the PCM energizes the ASD and fuel
pump relays, terminal 87 connects to terminal 30.
This is the On position. Terminal 87 supplies voltage
to the rest of the circuit.
The following procedure applies to the ASD and
fuel pump relays.
(1) Remove relay from connector before testing.
(2) With the relay removed from the vehicle, use
an ohmmeter to check the resistance between termi-
nals 85 and 86. The resistance should be 75 ohms +/-
5 ohms.
(3) Connect the ohmmeter between terminals 30
and 87A. The ohmmeter should show continuity
between terminals 30 and 87A.
Fig. 2 TYPE 1 RELAY (ISO MICRO RELAY)
Fig. 3 ASD AND FUEL PUMP RELAY TERMINALSÐ
TYPE 2
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
8I - 4 IGNITION CONTROLKJ

(4) Connect the ohmmeter between terminals 87
and 30. The ohmmeter should not show continuity at
this time.
(5) Connect one end of a jumper wire (16 gauge or
smaller) to relay terminal 85. Connect the other end
of the jumper wire to the ground side of a 12 volt
power source.
(6) Connect one end of another jumper wire (16
gauge or smaller) to the power side of the 12 volt
power source.Do not attach the other end of the
jumper wire to the relay at this time.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW OHMMETER TO CON-
TACT TERMINALS 85 OR 86 DURING THIS TEST.
DAMAGE TO OHMMETER MAY RESULT.
(7) Attach the other end of the jumper wire to
relay terminal 86. This activates the relay. The ohm-
meter should now show continuity between relay ter-
minals 87 and 30. The ohmmeter should not show
continuity between relay terminals 87A and 30.
(8) Disconnect jumper wires.
(9) Replace the relay if it did not pass the continu-
ity and resistance tests. If the relay passed the tests,
it operates properly. Check the remainder of the ASD
and fuel pump relay circuits. Refer to 8, Wiring Dia-
grams.
REMOVAL
The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 4). Refer to label on PDC cover
for relay location.(1) Remove PDC cover.
(2) Remove relay from PDC.
(3) Check condition of relay terminals and PDC
connector terminals for damage or corrosion. Repair
if necessary before installing relay.
(4) Check for pin height (pin height should be the
same for all terminals within the PDC connector).
Repair if necessary before installing relay.
INSTALLATION
The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
(1) Install relay to PDC.
(2) Install cover to PDC.
CAMSHAFT POSITION
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 2.4L
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 2.4L
4±cylinder engine is bolted to the right-front side of
the cylinder head (Fig. 5).
Fig. 4 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC)
1 - BATTERY
2 - PDC
3 - PDC COVER
Fig. 5 CMP LOCATION - 2.4L
1 - CMP SENSOR
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3-
4 - SLOTTED HOLES
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 5
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY (Continued)

cylinders 1 and 4, and coil number two fires cylinders
2 and 3.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a
ground contact (circuit) for energizing the coil(s). The
PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it does not
receive the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft
position sensor inputs.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to set
the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating conditions.
The ignition coil is not oil filled. The windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the ignition coil
to be mounted on the engine.
Spark plug cables (secondary wires or cables) are
used with the 2.4L engine.
3.7L
Battery voltage is supplied to the 6 ignition coils
from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil ground cir-
cuit at a determined time for ignition coil operation.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to set
the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating conditions.
The ignition coil is not oil filled. The windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the ignition coil
to be mounted on the engine.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used with the 3.7L engine.
REMOVAL
2.4L
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at rear of coil.
(2) Remove all secondary cables from coil.
(3) Remove 4 coil mounting bolts (Fig. 17).
(4) Remove coil from vehicle.
3.7L
An individual ignition coil is used for each spark
plug (Fig. 19). The coil fits into machined holes in the
cylinder head. A mounting stud/nut secures each coil
to the top of the intake manifold (Fig. 18). The bot-
tom of the coil is equipped with a rubber boot to seal
the spark plug to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is
a spring. The spring is used for a mechanical contact
between the coil and the top of the spark plug. These
rubber boots and springs are a permanent part of the
coil and are not serviced separately. An o-ring (Fig.19) is used to seal the coil at the opening into the cyl-
inder head.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from coil by
pushing downward on release lock on top of connec-
tor and pull connector from coil.
(3) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(4) Remove coil mounting nut from mounting stud
(Fig. 18).
(5) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(6) Remove coil from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
2.4L
(1) Position coil to engine.
(2) Install 4 mounting bolts. Refer to torque speci-
fications.
(3) Install secondary cables.
(4) Install electrical connector at rear of coil.
(5) Install air cleaner tube and housing.
3.7L
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
Fig. 17 IGNITION COIL - 2.4L
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
8I - 10 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube or
box.
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cylinder
block under the intake manifold. The sensors are
used only with the 3.7L engine.
OPERATION
Two knock sensors are used on the 3.7L V-6
engine; one for each cylinder bank. When the knock
sensor detects a knock in one of the cylinders on the
corresponding bank, it sends an input signal to the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). In response, the
PCM retards ignition timing for all cylinders by a
scheduled amount.
Knock sensors contain a piezoelectric material
which constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage
(signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the
intensity of the crystal's vibration increases, the
knock sensor output voltage also increases.
The voltage signal produced by the knock sensor
increases with the amplitude of vibration. The PCM
receives the knock sensor voltage signal as an input.
If the signal rises above a predetermined level, the
PCM will store that value in memory and retard
ignition timing to reduce engine knock. If the knock
sensor voltage exceeds a preset value, the PCM
retards ignition timing for all cylinders. It is not a
selective cylinder retard.
The PCM ignores knock sensor input during engine
idle conditions. Once the engine speed exceeds a
specified value, knock retard is allowed.
Knock retard uses its own short term and long
term memory program.
Long term memory stores previous detonation
information in its battery-backed RAM. The maxi-
mum authority that long term memory has over tim-
ing retard can be calibrated.
Short term memory is allowed to retard timing up
to a preset amount under all operating conditions (as
long as rpm is above the minimum rpm) except at
Wide Open Throttle (WOT). The PCM, using short
term memory, can respond quickly to retard timing
when engine knock is detected. Short term memory
is lost any time the ignition key is turned off.
Fig. 18 IGNITION COIL LOCATION - 3.7L
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING NUT
Fig. 19 IGNITION COIL - 3.7L
1 - O-RING
2 - IGNITION COIL
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 11
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors.
REMOVAL
The 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cylinder
block under the intake manifold (Fig. 20).
NOTE: The left sensor is identified by an identifica-
tion tag (LEFT). It is also identified by a larger bolt
head. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must
have and know the correct sensor left/right posi-
tions. Do not mix the sensor locations.
(1) Disconnect knock sensor dual pigtail harness
from engine wiring harness. this connection is made
near rear of left valve cover (Fig. 20).
(2) Remove intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(3) Remove sensor mounting bolts (Fig. 20). Note
foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is used only to
retain the bolts to sensors for plant assembly. It is
not used as a sealant. Do not apply any adhesive,
sealant or thread locking compound to these bolts.
(4) Remove sensors from engine.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The left sensor is identified by an identifica-
tion tag (LEFT). It is also identified by a larger bolt
head. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must
have and know the correct sensor left/right posi-
tions. Do not mix the sensor locations.
(1) Thoroughly clean knock sensor mounting holes.
(2) Install sensors into cylinder block.
NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors. The torque for the knock senor bolt is rela-
tively light for an 8mm bolt.
NOTE: Note foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is
used only to retain the bolts to sensors for plant
assembly. It is not used as a sealant. Do not apply
any adhesive, sealant or thread locking compound
to these bolts.
(3) Install and tighten mounting bolts. Refer to
torque specification.
(4) Install intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(5) Connect knock sensor wiring harness to engine
harness at rear of intake manifold.
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
Resistor type spark plugs are used.
Spark plug resistance values range from 6,000 to
20,000 ohms (when checked with at least a 1000 volt
spark plug tester).Do not use an ohmmeter to
check the resistance values of the spark plugs.
Inaccurate readings will result.
OPERATION
To prevent possible pre-ignition and/or mechanical
engine damage, the correct type/heat range/number
spark plug must be used.
Always use the recommended torque when tighten-
ing spark plugs. This is especially true when plugs
are equipped with tapered seats. Incorrect torque can
distort the spark plug and change plug gap. It can
also pull the plug threads and do possible damage to
both the spark plug and the cylinder head.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. A sin-
Fig. 20 KNOCK SENSOR LOCATION
1 - KNOCK SENSORS (2)
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
8I - 12 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)

sure the plugs do not drop into the plug wells as elec-
trodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain
insulator.
(1) Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by
hand to avoid cross threading.
(2) Tighten spark plugs. Refer to torque specifica-
tions.
(3) Before installing coil(s), check condition of coil
o-ring and replace as necessary. To aid in coil instal-
lation, apply silicone to coil o-ring.
(4) Install ignition coil(s). Refer to Ignition Coil
Removal/Installation.
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION
One coil capacitor is used. It is located in the
engine compartment and attached (clipped) to a wir-
ing trough near the brake power booster.
OPERATION
The coil capacitor(s) help dampen the amount of
conducted electrical noise to the camshaft position
sensor, crankshaft position sensor, and throttle posi-
tion sensor. This noise is generated on the 12V sup-
ply wire to the ignition coils and fuel injectors.
REMOVAL
The coil capacitor is located in the engine compart-
ment and is attached (clipped) to a wiring harness
trough near the brake power booster (graphic not
available).
(1) Unclip capacitor from wiring harness trough.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector at capacitor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect electrical connector to coil capacitor.
(2) Position capacitor into v-clip on wiring harness
trough.
8I - 16 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
SPARK PLUG (Continued)