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)
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)
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)
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)
INSTALLATION
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.Sensor position (depth) is
adjustable.
(1) Remove plastic, upper timing belt cover (timing
gear cover) (Fig. 11) by removing 3 bolts. Before
attempting to remove cover, remove electrical connec-
tor from Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
(Fig. 11). This will prevent damage to sensor.
(2) Rotate (bump over) engine until camshaft tim-
ing gear and target wheel (tonewheel) are positioned
and aligned to face of sensor as shown in (Fig. 12).If
not positioned as shown in (Fig. 12), damage to
both sensor and target wheel will occur when
attempting to start engine. Face of sensor
MUST be behind target wheel while adjusting.
(3) Position sensor to cylinder head and install 2
sensor mounting bolts finger tight.
(4)SENSOR AIR GAP: .030ºSet air gap between
rear of target wheel and face of sensor to .030º. This
can best be accomplished using an L-shaped, wire-
type spark plug gapping gauge (Fig. 13). A piece of
.030º brass shim stock may also be used.
(5) Gently push sensor forward until it contacts
gapping gauge.Do not push hard on sensor.
Tighten 2 sensor mounting bolts. Refer to torque
specifications.CAUTION: After tightening sensor mounting bolts,
recheck air gap and adjust as necessary. Retorque
bolts.
(6) Install upper timing belt cover and 3 bolts.
(7) Connect electrical connector to ECT sensor.
(8) Connect electrical connector to CMP sensor.
Fig. 11 UPPER TIMING BELT COVER/BOLTS-2.4L
1 - UPPER TIMING BELT COVER
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR (ECT)
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
Fig. 12 CMP FACE AT TARGET WHEEL-2.4L
1 - CAMSHAFT DRIVE GEAR
2 - TARGETWHEEL (TONEWHEEL)
3 - FACE OF CMP SENSOR
4 - CUTOUT (NOTCH)
Fig. 13 CMP ADJUSTMENT - 2.4L
1 - FACE OF SENSOR
2 - WIRE GAPPING TOOL
8I - 8 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)