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)
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6
PRIMARY RESISTANCE
21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)SECONDARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
0.6 - 0.9 Ohms 6,000 - 9,000 Ohms
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE PLUG TYPE ELECTRODE GAP
2.4L RE14MCC5 (Champion #) 1.24 to 1.37 mm (0.048 to 0.053 in.)
3.7L V-6 2FR6F - 11G (NGK #) 1.1 mm (0.042 in.)
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE - 2.4L
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
250 Ohms Per Inch 1000 Ohms Per Inch
3000 Ohms Per Foot 12,000 Ohms Per Foot
TORQUE - IGNITION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Camshaft Position Sensor-2.4L 23 21 205
Camshaft Position Sensor±3.7L 12 - 106
Crankshaft Position Sensor Bolt-2.4L 12 - 106
Crankshaft Position Sensor Nut/Bolt-3.7L 23 21 205
* Knock Sensor Bolt - 3.7L * 20 * 15
Ignition Coil Mounting Bolts - 2.4L 11 - 105
Ignition Coil Mounting Nuts - 3.7L 8 - 70
Ignition Coil Capacitor Nuts- 3.7L 8 - 70
** Spark Plugs - 2.4L ** 15 ** 11 -
Spark Plugs - 3.7L 27 20 -
* Do not apply any sealant, thread-locker or adhesive to
bolts. Poor sensor performance may result.
** Torque critical tapered design. Do not exceed 15 ft. lbs.
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 3
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)
DESCRIPTION-3.7L
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 3.7L
6±cylinder engine is bolted to the right-front side of
the right cylinder head (Fig. 6).
OPERATION
OPERATION - 2.4L
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) sensor con-
tains a hall effect device referred to as a sync signal
generator. A rotating target wheel (tonewheel) for the
CMP is located behind the exhaust valve-camshaft
drive gear (Fig. 7). The target wheel is equipped with
a cutout (notch) around 180 degrees of the wheel.
The CMP detects this cutout every 180 degrees of
camshaft gear rotation. Its signal is used in conjunc-
tion with the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) to
differentiate between fuel injection and spark events.
It is also used to synchronize the fuel injectors with
their respective cylinders.
When the leading edge of the target wheel cutout
enters the tip of the CMP, the interruption of mag-
netic field causes the voltage to switch high, result-
ing in a sync signal of approximately 5 volts.
When the trailing edge of the target wheel cutout
leaves the tip of the CMP, the change of the magnetic
field causes the sync signal voltage to switch low to 0
volts.
OPERATION - 3.7L
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) sensor con-
tains a hall effect device referred to as a sync signal
generator. A rotating target wheel (tonewheel) for the
CMP is located at the front of the camshaft for the
right cylinder head (Fig. 8). This sync signal genera-
tor detects notches located on a tonewheel. As the
tonewheel rotates, the notches pass through the sync
signal generator. The signal from the CMP sensor is
used in conjunction with the Crankshaft Position
Sensor (CKP) to differentiate between fuel injection
and spark events. It is also used to synchronize the
fuel injectors with their respective cylinders.
When the leading edge of the tonewheel notch
enters the tip of the CMP, the interruption of mag-
netic field causes the voltage to switch high, result-
ing in a sync signal of approximately 5 volts.
When the trailing edge of the tonewheel notch
leaves then tip of the CMP, the change of the mag-
netic field causes the sync signal voltage to switch
low to 0 volts.
Fig. 6 CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR - 3.7L
1 - RIGHT/FRONT OF RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
2 - CMP MOUNTING BOLT
3 - CMP LOCATION
Fig. 7 CMP FACE AT TARGET WHEEL-2.4L
1 - CAMSHAFT DRIVE GEAR
2 - TARGETWHEEL (TONEWHEEL)
3 - FACE OF CMP SENSOR
4 - CUTOUT (NOTCH)
8I - 6 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)
REMOVAL
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. 9). Sensor position (depth) is
adjustable.
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at CMP sensor.
(2) Remove 2 sensor mounting bolts.
(3) Remove sensor from cylinder head by sliding
towards rear of engine.
3.7L
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 3.7L
V-6 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head (Fig. 10).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at CMP sensor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 10).
(3) Carefully remove sensor from cylinder head in
a rocking and twisting action. Twisting sensor eases
removal.
(4) Check condition of sensor o-ring.
Fig. 8 CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATION -
3.7L
1 - NOTCHES
2 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
3 - CMP
4 - TONEWHEEL (TARGET WHEEL)
Fig. 9 CMP LOCATION - 2.4L
1 - CMP SENSOR
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3-
4 - SLOTTED HOLES
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
Fig. 10 CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CMP) - 3.7L
1 - RIGHT/FRONT OF RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
2 - CMP MOUNTING BOLT
3 - CMP LOCATION
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 7
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)
3.7L
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 3.7L
V-6 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head.
(1) Clean out machined hole in cylinder head.
(2) Apply a small amount of engine oil to sensor
o-ring.
(3) Install sensor into cylinder head with a slight
rocking and twisting action.
CAUTION: Before tightening sensor mounting bolt,
be sure sensor is completely flush to cylinder head.
If sensor is not flush, damage to sensor mounting
tang may result.
(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten. Refer to
torque specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION
2.4L
The coil assembly consists of 2 different coils
molded together. The assembly is mounted to the top
of the engine (Fig. 14).
3.7L
The 3.7L V-6 engine uses 6 dedicated, and individ-
ually fired coil for each spark plug (Fig. 15). Each
coil is mounted directly into the cylinder head and
onto the top of each spark plug (Fig. 16).
OPERATION
2.4L
The coil fires two spark plugs simultaneously. One
plug is under compression, the other plug fires on the
exhaust stroke (lost spark). Coil number one fires
Fig. 14 IGNITION COIL - 2.4L
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
Fig. 15 IGNITION COIL - 3.7L
1 - O-RING
2 - IGNITION COIL
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 16 IGNITION COIL LOCATION - 3.7L
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING NUT
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 9
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (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)
REMOVAL
2.4L
If spark plug for #2 or #3 cylinder is being
removed, throttle body must be removed. Refer to
Throttle Body Removal.
(1) Remove air cleaner tube and housing.
(2) Twist secondary cable at cylinder head to break
loose at spark plug. Remove cable from plug.
(3) Prior to removing spark plug, spray com-
pressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help
prevent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(4) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert.
(5) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Spark
Plug Conditions.
3.7L
Each individual spark plug is located under each
ignition coil. Each individual ignition coil must be
removed to gain access to each spark plug. Refer to
Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.
(1) Prior to removing ignition coil, spray com-
pressed air around coil base at cylinder head.
(2) Prior to removing spark plug, spray com-
pressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help
prevent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(3) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert. Also
check condition of ignition coil o-ring and replace as
necessary.
(4) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Spark
Plug Conditions.
CLEANING SPARK PLUGS
The plugs may be cleaned using commercially
available spark plug cleaning equipment. After clean-
ing, file the center electrode flat with a small point
file or jewelers file before adjusting gap.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean the spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on the spark plug insulator and will cause
plug misfire.
INSTALLATION
2.4L
CAUTION: Spark plug tightening on the 2.4L is
torque critical. The plugs are equipped with tapered
seats. Do not exceed 15 ft. lbs. torque.
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
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) Install throttle body. Refer to Throttle Body
Installation.
(4) Install air cleaner tube and housing.
3.7L
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
Fig. 26 Preignition Damage
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE STARTING TO DISSOLVE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE DISSOLVED
Fig. 27 Spark Plug Overheating
1 - BLISTERED WHITE OR GRAY COLORED INSULATOR
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 15
SPARK PLUG (Continued)