Ignition System: Inspection: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Toyota Avalon. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

In this section, the terms "cold" and "hot" refer to the temperature of the coils. "Cold" means approximately -10°C(14°F) to 50°C(122°F). "Hot" means approximately 50°C(122°F) to 100°C(212°F).

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.
1. Check the electrode.
  
  Fig 1: Measuring Spark Plug Insulation Resistance
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  1. Using a megaohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.
    Correct insulation resistance
    
    10 MΩ or higher
    
    If the resistance is less than the specified value, proceed to procedure "C".
    
    HINT:
    
    If a megaohmmeter is not available, perform the following simple inspection instead.
2. Alternative inspection method:
  
  Fig 2: Checking Spark Plug
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  1. Quickly accelerate the engine to 4,000 rpm 5 times.
  2. Remove the spark plugs.
  3. Visually check the spark plugs.
    - If the electrode is dry, the spark plug is functioning. Reinstall the spark plug.
    - If the electrode is damp, refer to procedure "A", "B" and "C".
3. Check the spark plug for any damage to its thread and insulator (Procedure "A").
  If there is damage, replace the spark plug. If not, reinstall the spark plug.
  REQUIRED SPARK PLUG:
  
  DENSO made FK20HR11
  
  WARNING:
  Please use long-reach plug.
4. Clean the spark plugs (Procedure "B").
  
  Fig 3: Cleaning Spark Plug
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  If the electrode has traces of wet carbon, clean the electrode with a spark plug cleaner and then dry it.
  
  Air pressure
  
  588 kPa (6 kgf*cm² , 85 psi)
  
  Duration
  
  20 seconds or less
  
  HINT:
  
  Only use the spark plug cleaner when the electrode is free of oil. If the electrode has traces of oil, use gasoline to clean off the oil before using the spark plug cleaner.
5. Check the spark plug electrode gap (Procedure "C").
  
  Fig 4: Checking Spark Plug Electrode Gap
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Electrode gap
  
  1.0 to 1.1 mm (0.039 to 0.043 in.)
  
  Maximum electrode gap
  
  1.4 mm (0.055 in.)
  
  If the gap is greater than the maximum, replace the spark plug.