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Home >> Toyota >> 1986 >> Pickup Base, 22-RTE, R151F >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> Ignition System - Electronic >> Testing >> Spark Test
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Spark Test

  1. Check ignition coil and distributor connections. On Celica 3S-FE engine, remove spark plugs and spark plug wires. Attach spark plugs to wires and ground plugs. On all other models, disconnect ignition coil wire from distributor and hold wire about 1/2" away from ground.
  2. Crank engine and check for spark. If sparks occur, check for other source of starting problem. If no sparks occur, remove distributor cap and check ignition wire resistance. If wires are okay, go to next step. If not, replace wires as required.
    NOTE: To prevent gasoline from being sprayed from injectors, crank engine for no more than 2 seconds at a time.
  3. Place ignition switch in "ON" position. Check for voltage at ignition coil positive terminal. If voltage is present, go to next step. If not, check wiring between ignition switch, coil, and ignition module.
  4. Check ignition coil resistance. See IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE TESTS  in this article. If coil resistance is correct, go to next step. If not, replace ignition coil.
  5. Check pick-up coil resistance. See PICK-UP COIL RESISTANCE TEST in this article. If resistance is correct, go to next step. If not, remove coil and replace distributor assembly.
  6. Check air gap between reluctor and pick-up coil. If air gap is incorrect, remove coil and replace distributor assembly. If air gap is correct, replace ignition module (Celica 3S-FE engine only). On all other models, go to next step.
  7. Check for "IGt" ignition signal from ECU at ignition module. If reading is about one volt, replace ignition module. If not, check wiring between ECU, distributor, and ignition module. If wiring is okay, replace ECU.
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