Ignition System (3MZ-FE): Inspection

INSPECT SPARK PLUG
NOTE:
- Do not use a wire brush to clean the spark plug.
- Do not try to adjust the electrode gap of a used spark plug.
1. Inspect the resistance.
  1. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the insulation and body ground.
    Resistance: 10 MΩ or more
    
    If the resistance is not as specified, check the electrode gap.
    
    Fig 1: Measuring Resistance Between Insulation And Body Ground
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Alternative inspection method.
  1. Quickly accelerate the engine speed 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: Checking Spark Plug Electrode
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Check the appearance.
  1. Check the thread and insulator of the spark plug for damage.
    If damaged, replace the spark plug.
    
    Recommended spark plug:
    
    Fig 3: Identifying Spark Plug
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Fig 4: Recommended Spark Plug Chart
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Inspect the electrode gap.
  1. Using a spark plug gauge, measure the electrode gap.
    Maximum electrode gap of used spark plug:
    
    1.3 mm (0.051 in.)
    
    If the electrode gap is greater than maximum, replace the spark plug.
    
    Electrode gap of new spark plug:
    
    1.0 to 1.1 mm (0.039 to 0.043 in.)
    
    Fig 5: Measuring Electrode Gap Using Spark Plug Gauge
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Clean the spark plugs.
  If the electrode has traces of wet carbon, clean the electrode with a spark plug cleaner, then dry it.
  
  Air pressure: Blow 588 kPa (6 kgf/cm ² , 85 psi)
  
  Duration: 20 seconds or shorter
  
  If there are traces of oil, remove it with gasoline before using the spark plug cleaner.
  
  Fig 6: Cleaning Electrode Using Spark Plug Cleaner
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSPECT VVT SENSOR
1. Inspect the resistance.
  1. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the terminals.
    Resistance:
    
    Fig 7: Measuring Resistance Between VVT Sensor Terminals Using Ohmmeter
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Fig 8: VVT Sensor Terminals Resistance Specification Chart
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
NOTE: "Cold" and "Hot" mean 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).

If the resistance is not as specified, replace the VVT sensor.
INSPECT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
1. Inspect the resistance.
  1. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the terminals.
    Resistance:
    
    Fig 9: Measuring Resistance Between Crankshaft Position Sensor Terminals Using Ohmmeter
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Fig 10: Crankshaft Position Sensor Terminals Resistance Specification Chart
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
NOTE: "Cold" and "Hot" mean 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).

If the resistance is not as specified, replace the crankshaft position sensor.