Ignition System (2UZ-FE): Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Toyota 4Runner. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT SPARK PLUG

NOTE:

Never use a wire brush for cleaning.
Never attempt to adjust the electrode gap on a used spark plug.
The spark plug should be replaced every 200,000 km (120,000 miles).

Check the electrode.
1. Using an ohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.
  Correct insulation resistance: 10 MΩ or more
If the resistance is below the specified range, proceed to step d.

HINT

If an ohmmeter is not available, the following simple inspection provides fairly accurate results.

Fig 1: Measuring Insulation Resistance Using Ohmmeter
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Simple Method:
1. Quickly race the engine to 4,000 rpm 5 times.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Visually check the spark plug.
4. If the electrode is dry...OK.
5. If the electrode is wet...Proceed to step (C).
6. Reinstall the spark plug.
Fig 2: Inspecting Spark Plug (Simple Method)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Check the spark plug for thread or insulator damage.

If damaged, replace the spark plug.

Recommended spark plug:

SPARK PLUG SPECIFIED

DENSO made	SK20R11
NGK made	IFR6A11

Fig 3: Checking Spark Plug For Thread or Insulator Damage

Measure the spark plug electrode gap.
Maximum electrode gap for used spark plug: 1.3 mm (0.051 in.)

If the gap is greater than the maximum, replace the spark plug.

Correct electrode gap for new spark plug: 1.0 to 1.1 mm (0.039 to 0.043 in.)

Fig 4: Measuring Spark Plug Electrode Gap
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Clean the spark plugs.
If the electrode has traces of wet carbon, allow it to dry and then clean with a spark plug cleaner.
- Air pressure: Blow 588 kPa (6 kgf/cm ² , 85 psi)
- Duration: 20 seconds or less
HINT

If there are traces of oil, remove them with gasoline before using a spark plug cleaner.

Fig 5: Cleaning Spark Plugs

VVT SENSOR
1. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the terminals.
  Resistance:
  - at cold: 835 to 1,400 Ω
  - at hot: 1,060 to 1,645 Ω
NOTE: "Cold" and "Hot" above mean the temperature of the coils themselves. "Cold" is from - 10°C (14°F) to 50°C (122°F) and "Hot" is from 50°C (122°F) to 100°C (212°F).
INSPECT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
1. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the terminals.
  Resistance:
  - at cold: 1,630 to 2,740 Ω
  - at hot: 2,065 to 3,225 Ω
NOTE: "Cold" and "Hot" above mean the temperature of the coils themselves. "Cold" is from - 10°C (14°F) to 50°C (122°F) and "Hot" is from 50°C (122°F) to 100°C (212°F).