2003 DODGE RAM engine sensors

IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - IGNITION....3
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 3.7L V-6.........4
ENGINE FIRING ORDER ± 4.7L V-8........4
FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING ± 5.7L
V-8 ENGINE...........................4
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 5.9L V-8.........4
SPARK PLUG CABLE ORDER ± 8.0L V-10
ENGINE..............................5
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE........5
SPARK PLUGS........................5
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6.....6
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.7L V-8.....6
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 5.7L V-8.....6
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 5.9L........6
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE ± 8.0L V-10
ENGINE..............................6
IGNITION TIMING......................6
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT.............6
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT.............6
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT....6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS........................7
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................8
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................14
DISTRIBUTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................17INSTALLATION.........................18
DISTRIBUTOR CAP
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
CAP - 5.9L V-8........................18
DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
ROTOR - 5.9L V-8.....................19
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................20
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................24
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................26
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION.........................27
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS.........................27
REMOVAL.............................30
CLEANING
CLEANING AND ADJUSTMENT...........31
INSTALLATION.........................31
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................33
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................33
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................33
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CABLES............................33
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................35
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
3.7L V-6 ENGINE
The 3.7L V-6 engine uses a separate ignition coil
for each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly tothe cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary
terminal ends of the coils to the top of all 6 spark
plugs. A separate electrical connector is used for each
coil.
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.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1

The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to each ignition coil.
The ignition system consists of:
²6 Spark Plugs
²6 Separate Ignition Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
4.7L V-8 ENGINE
The 4.7L V-8 engine uses a separate ignition coil for
each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly to the
cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary termi-
nal ends of the coils to the top of all 8 spark plugs. A
separate electrical connector is used for each coil.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. A distributor is not used
with the 4.7L 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 ignition system consists of:
²8 Spark Plugs
²8 Separate Ignition Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
5.7L V-8 ENGINE
For additional information, also refer to Igni-
tion Coil Description and Operation.
The 5.7L V-8 engine is equipped with 16 spark
plugs. Two plugs are used for each cylinder. The 5.7L
is also equipped with 8 separate and independent
ignition coils. The one-piece coil bolts directly to the
cylinder head cover and attaches the coils secondary
output terminal directly to a spark plug using a rub-
ber boot seal. Each coil is also equipped with a sec-
ond output terminal. This second terminal connects a
conventional spark plug cable directly to a spark
plug on the opposite cylinder bank. A separate pri-
mary electrical connector is used for each coil.
Eight conventional spark plug cables are used with
the 5.7L. These cables connect a coil on one cylinder
bank, directly to a spark plug on the opposite cylin-
der bank. The cables are placed and routed in a spe-
cial plastic loom to keep them separated. This loom is
clipped to the intake manifold. To prevent a miss-
match of cables, a corresponding spark plug / coil
number is displayed on each plug cable: 1/6, 2/3, 4/7and 5/8. These numbers can also be found on the top
of the intake manifold to the right of the throttle
body (Fig. 1).
Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
The 5.7L engine will not use a conventional distrib-
utor.
The ignition system consists of:
²16 Spark Plugs (2 per cylinder)
²
8 Separate, Dual-Secondary Output, Ignition Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²8 Secondary Ignition Cables
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
5.9L V-8 ENGINE
The 5.9L V-8 ignition system will use a conven-
tional distributor and 1 remotely mounted coil. Con-
ventional spark plug cables are used with the 5.9L.
Knock sensors are not used with the 5.9L engine.
The ignition system consists of:
²8 Spark Plugs
²1 Ignition Coil
²Secondary Ignition Cables
²Distributor (contains rotor and camshaft position
sensor)
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Fig. 1 FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING - 5.7L V-8
ENGINE
1 - TOP OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - CYLINDER FIRING ORDER (IGNITION COIL NUMBER)
3 - CORRESPONDING SPARK PLUG NUMBER
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position, Cam-
shaft Position, Throttle Position and MAP Sensors
8.0L V-10 ENGINE
. The 8.0L V-10 engine is equipped with 2 remote
coil packs. Conventional spark plug cables are used
with the 8.0L engine. The 8.0L engine will not use a
conventional distributor
The ignition coils are individually fired, but each
coil is a dual output. Refer to Ignition Coil for addi-
tional information.Knock sensors are not used with the 8.0L engine.
The ignition system consists of:
²10 Spark Plugs
²2 Ignition Coil packs containing 10 individual
coils
²10 Secondary Ignition Cables
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position and MAP Sen-
sors
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - IGNITION
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Camshaft Position Sensor - 3.7L V-6 Engine 12 - 106
Camshaft Position Sensor - 4.7L V-8 Engine 12 - 106
Camshaft Position Sensor - 5.7L V-8 Engine 12 9 105
Camshaft Position Sensor - 8.0L V-10 Engine 6 - 50
Crankshaft Position Sensor - 3.7L V-6 Engine 28 21 205
Crankshaft Position Sensor - 4.7L V-8 Engine 28 21 205
Crankshaft Position Sensor - 5.7L V-8 Engine 12 9 105
Crankshaft Position Sensor - 5.9L V-8 Engine 8 - 70
Crankshaft Position Sensor - 8.0L V-10 Engine 8 - 70
Distributor Hold Down Bolt - 5.9L V-8 Engine 23 17 -
Ignition Coil Mounting - 5.9L V-8 Engine
(if tapped bolts are used)5-50
Ignition Coil Mounting - 5.9L V-8 Engine
(if nuts/bolts are used)11 - 100
Ignition Coil Mounting - 3.7L V-6 Engine 8 - 70
Ignition Coil Mounting - 4.7L V-8 Engine 8 - 70
Ignition Coil Mounting - 5.7L V-8 Engine 12 9 105 (  20)
Ignition Coil Mounting - 8.0L V-10 Engine 10 - 90
* Knock Sensor - 3.7L V-6 Engine 20 15 176
* Knock Sensor - 4.7L V-8 Engine 20 15 176
* Knock Sensor - 5.7L V-8 Engine 20 15 176
Spark Plugs - 3.7L V-6 Engine 27 20 -
Spark Plugs - 4.7L V-8 Engine 27 20 -
** Spark Plugs - 5.7L V-8 Engine 18 (  3) 13 (  2) -
Spark Plugs - 5.9L V-8 Engine 41 30 -
Spark Plugs - 8.0L V-10 Engine 41 30 -
* 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.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 3
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

(4) Disconnect camshaft position sensor wiring
harness from main engine wiring harness.
(5) Remove distributor rotor from distributor shaft.
(6) Lift camshaft position sensor assembly from
distributor housing (Fig. 17).
8.0L V±10
The camshaft position sensor is located on the tim-
ing chain case/cover on the left-front side of the
engine (Fig. 18).
A thin plastic rib is molded into the face of the sen-
sor (Fig. 19) to position the depth of sensor to the
upper cam gear (sprocket). This rib can be found on
both the new replacement sensors and sensors that
were originally installed to the engine. The first timethe engine has been operated, part of this rib may be
sheared (ground) off. Depending on parts tolerances,
some of the rib material may still be observed after
removal.
Refer to either of the following procedures; Replac-
ing Old Sensor With Original, or Replacing With
New Sensor:
REPLACING OLD SENSOR WITH ORIGINAL
If the original camshaft position sensor is to be
removed and installed, such as when servicing the
timing chain, timing gears or timing chain cover, use
this procedure.
(1) Disconnect sensor harness connector from sen-
sor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 18).
(3) Carefully pry sensor from timing chain case/
cover in a rocking action with two small screwdriv-
ers.
(4) Remove sensor from vehicle.
(5) Check condition of sensor o-ring (Fig. 20).
REPLACING WITH NEW SENSOR
If a new replacement camshaft position sensor is to
be installed, use this procedure.
(1) Disconnect sensor wiring harness connector
from sensor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 18).
(3) Carefully pry sensor from timing chain case/
cover in a rocking action with two small screwdriv-
ers.
(4) Remove sensor from vehicle.
Fig. 17 DISTRIBUTOR AND CMP LOCATION - 5.9L
1 - SYNC SIGNAL GENERATOR
2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 - PULSE RING
4 - DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY
Fig. 18 CMP LOCATION - 8.0L
1 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLT
3 - TIMING CHAIN CASE/COVER
Fig. 19 SENSOR DEPTH POSITIONING RIB ± 8.0L
V-10 ENGINE
1 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 - PAPER SPACER
3 - RIB MATERIAL (FOR SENSOR DEPTH POSITIONING)
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 13
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

4.7L V-8
Battery voltage is supplied to the 8 individual igni-
tion coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil
ground circuit 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 4.7L V-8 engine.
5.7L V-8
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
A ªwasted sparkº system is used on the 5.7L
engine combining paired, or dual-firing coils, and 2
spark plugs per cylinder. The coils and spark plugs
are connected with paired, secondary high-voltage
cables.
Each cylinder is equipped with 1 dual-output coil.
Meaning one coil mounts directly over one of the
dual spark plugs for 1 high-voltage output. A second
high-voltage output is supplied directly from the
same coil (using a plug cable) to one of the dual
spark plugs on a corresponding (paired) cylinder on
the opposite cylinder bank.
Each coil fires 2 spark plugs simultaneously on
each of the cylinder banks (one cylinder on compres-
sion stroke and one cylinder on exhaust stroke).
EXAMPLE :When the #1 cylinder is on compression
stroke and ready for spark, the #1 coil will fire one of
the dual spark plugs on the #1 cylinder (directly
below the coil). The other dual spark plug on the #1
cylinder will be fired by the #6 coil. At the same
time, the #1 coil will fire a ªwasted sparkº to one of
the dual spark plugs at the #6 cylinder as coil #6 also
fires a ªwasted sparkº to one of the dual spark plugs
at the #6 cylinder.
The firing order is paired at cylinders 1/6, 2/3, 4/7,
5/8. Basic cylinder firing order is 1±8±4±3±6±5±7±2.
Battery voltage is supplied to all of the ignition
coils positive terminals from the ASD relay. If the
PCM does not see a signal from the crankshaft and
camshaft sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON
but the engine is not running), it will shut down the
ASD circuit.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable on the
5.7L V-8 engine.By controlling the coil ground cir-
cuits, the PCM is able to set the base timing andadjust the ignition timing advance. This is done to
meet changing engine operating conditions.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on inputs it
receives from:
²The engine coolant temperature sensor
²The crankshaft position sensor (engine speed)
²The camshaft position sensor (crankshaft posi-
tion)
²The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²The throttle position sensor
²Transmission gear selection
5.9L V-8
A single ignition coil is used. The Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) opens and closes the ignition coil
ground circuit for ignition coil operation.
Battery voltage is supplied to the ignition coil pos-
itive terminal from the ASD relay. If the PCM does
not see a signal from the crankshaft and camshaft
sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON but the
engine is not running), it will shut down the ASD cir-
cuit.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable on any
engine.By controlling the coil ground circuit, the
PCM is able to set the base timing and adjust the
ignition timing advance. This is done to meet chang-
ing engine operating conditions.
Conventional spark plug cables (secondary cables)
are used with the 5.9L V-8 engine.
8.0L V-10
When one of the 5 independent coils discharges, it
fires two paired cylinders at the same time (one cyl-
inder on compression stroke and the other cylinder
on exhaust stroke).
Coil firing is paired together on cylinders:
²Number 5 and 10
²Number 9 and 8
²Number 1 and 6
²Number 7 and 4
²Number 3 and 2
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
Battery voltage is supplied to all of the ignition
coils positive terminals from the ASD relay. If the
PCM does not see a signal from the crankshaft and
camshaft sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON
but the engine is not running), it will shut down the
ASD circuit.
Conventional spark plug cables (secondary cables)
are used with the 8.0L V-10 engine.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable on the
8.0L V-10 engine.By controlling the coil ground cir-
cuits, the PCM is able to set the base timing and
adjust the ignition timing advance. This is done to
meet changing engine operating conditions.
8I - 22 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

(6)If necessary, install throttle body air tube or box.
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The sensors are used only with 3.7L V-6, 4.7L V-8
and 5.7L V-8 engines. On 3.7L V-6 and 4.7L V-8
engines, the 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cyl-
inder block under the intake manifold.
On 5.7L V-8 engines, 2 knock sensors are also
used. These are bolted into each side of the cylinder
block (outside) under the exhaust manifold.
OPERATION
3.7L V-6 / 4.7L V-8 / 5.7L V-8 Engines Only
Two knock sensors are used; 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.
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
3.7L V-6 / 4.7L V-8
The 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cylinder
block under the intake manifold (Fig. 39). or (Fig.
40).
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 engine.
(2) Remove intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(3) Remove sensor mounting bolts (Fig. 39), or
(Fig. 40). 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.
Fig. 38 SPARK PLUG CABLE ORDER - 8.0L V-10
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 25
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

(4) Remove sensors from engine.5.7L V8
Two sensors are used. Each sensor is bolted into
the outside of cylinder block below the exhaust man-
ifold (Fig. 41).
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Disconnect knock sensor electrical connector.
(3) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 41). 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 sensor from engine.
INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6 / 4.7L V-8
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.
Fig. 39 KNOCK SENSOR Ð 3.7L V-6
1 - KNOCK SENSORS (2)
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
Fig. 40 KNOCK SENSOR Ð 4.7L V-8
1 - KNOCK SENSORS (2)
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD (CUTAWAY)
4 - PIGTAIL CONNECTOR
Fig. 41 5.7L KNOCK SENSOR (RIGHT SENSOR
SHOWN)
1 - KNOCK SENSOR (RIGHT SENSOR SHOWN)
2 - MOUNTING BOLT
3 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD
4 - RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT
5 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
8I - 26 IGNITION CONTROLDR
KNOCK SENSOR (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. 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.
5.7L V-8
(1) Thoroughly clean knock sensor mounting hole.
(2) Install sensor 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 bolt. Refer to
torque specification.
(4) Install electrical connector to sensor.
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
Resistor type spark plugs are used on all engines.
Sixteen spark plugs (2 per cylinder) are used with
5.7L V-8 engines.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS
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. 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-
gle plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
the Lubrication and Maintenance section.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective, carbon or oil
fouled.
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.
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.
NORMAL OPERATING
The few deposits present on the spark plug will
probably be light tan or slightly gray in color. This is
evident with most grades of commercial gasoline
(Fig. 42). There will not be evidence of electrode
burning. Gap growth will not average more than
approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 3200 km (2000
miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have normal
wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes
filed, have the gap set and then be installed.
Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT
causes the entire tip of the spark plug to be coated
with a rust colored deposit. This rust color can be
misdiagnosed as being caused by coolant in the com-
bustion chamber. Spark plug performance may be
affected by MMT deposits.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 27
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)