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Spark Test

NOTE: ES300 uses a Distributorless Ignition System (DIS). Three ignition coils are used and are located on left valve cover.
CAUTION: To prevent fuel from being injected during cranking in the following procedure, crank engine for no more than 1-2 seconds at a time.
  1. Disconnect ignition coil connector. Remove ignition coil to be checked. Remove spark plug. Connect spark plug to coil and reconnect ignition coil connector. Ground the spark plug.
  2. Check plug for spark while cranking engine. If spark is not present, turn ignition off. Check ignition coil, ignitor and distributor connectors. Repair as necessary. If connections are good, measure voltage between ground and positive terminal (Black/Orange wire) at ignition coil connector and ignitor.
  3. If battery voltage is not present, repair circuit. If battery voltage is present, check resistance between terminals of ignition coil connector (ignition coil primary resistance). If resistance is not as specified, replace ignition coil. See IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE table.
  4. If resistance is as specified, check resistance between terminals of Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor. See SENSOR RESISTANCE table. If resistance is not as specified, replace CMP sensor. If resistance is as specified, check resistance between terminals of Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor. See SENSOR RESISTANCE table.
  5. If resistance is not as specified, replace CKP sensor. If resistance is as specified, check for ignitor circuit malfunction (IGT signal). If IGT signal from ECM is defective a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) should set in ECM memory. See testing procedure for DTC P1300 in TESTS W/CODES article. If IGT signal circuit is okay, substitute another ignitor and recheck system operation.
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE

Application Primary Secondary
Cold (1) .70-.94 10,800-14,900
Hot (2) .85-1.10 13,100-17,500
(1) Coil temperature of 14-122°F (-10-50°C).
(2) Coil temperature of 123-212°F (51-100°C).
SENSOR RESISTANCE

Application Ohms
Camshaft Sensor
Cold (1) 835-1400
Hot (2) 1060-1645
Crankshaft Sensor
Cold (1) 1630-2740
Hot (2) 2065-3225
(1) Sensor temperature of 14-122°F (-10-50°C).
(2) Sensor temperature of 123-212°F (51-100°C).