Ignition System: Inspection

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

INSPECT SPARK PLUG

NOTE:

Do not use a wire brush for cleaning.
Do not attempt to adjust the electrode gap of a used spark plug.
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 less than the specified value, proceed to step (d)

HINT:

If the ohmmeter is not available, do the following simple inspection instead.

Fig 1: Measuring Insulation Resistance
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Simple inspection method:
1. Run the engine to 4,000 rpm 5 times quickly.
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 (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Check the spark plug for any damage on its thread and insulator.

If there is damage, replace the spark plug.

Recommended spark plug:

SPARK PLUG SPECIFICATIONS

DENSO made	SK20R11
NGK made	IFR6A11

Fig 3: Checking Spark Plug (2 Of 2)

Check the spark plug electrode gap.
Maximum electrode gap for used spark plug:

1.3 mm (0.051 in.)

If the gap is greater than 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: Checking Spark Plug Electrode Gap
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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 less

HINT:

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

Fig 5: Cleaning Spark Plugs

INSPECT VVT SENSOR
1. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the terminals.
  RESISTANCE:
  
  835 to 1,400 Ω at cold
  
  1,060 to 1,645 Ω at hot
  
  NOTE: "Cold" and "Hot" 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:

1,630 to 2,740 Ω at cold

2,065 to 3,225 Ω at hot

NOTE: "Cold" and "Hot" 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).