FixVault
Home › Toyota › 2005 › Camry Solara SLE, 2D Convertible › Repair and Diagnosis › Engine Performance › Ignition System › Engine Ignition System › Ignition System (3MZ-FE) › Inspection

Ignition System (3MZ-FE): Inspection

NOTE: In the following 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).
  1. 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.
      1. Using an megaohmmeter, 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 megaohmmeter is not available, do the following simple inspection instead.

      Fig 1: Measuring Insulation Resistance
      G02590106Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    2. Alternative inspection method:
      1. Quickly accelerate 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, the spark plug is functioning. Proceed to step  2.
      5. If the electrode is damp, proceed to step (c), ( d) and ( e).
      6. Install the spark plug.
    3. Check the spark plug for any damage on its thread and insulator.
      Fig 2: Checking Spark Plug For Any Damage
      G02590107Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

      If there is any damage, replace the spark plug.

      Recommended spark plug: 

      SPARK PLUG SPECIFICATION CHART

      DENSO made SK20R11
      NGK made IFR6A11
    4. 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 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.) 

      NOTE: If adjusting the gap of a new spark plug, bend only the base of the ground electrode. Do not touch the tip. Never attempt to adjust the gap on a used plug.
      Fig 3: Checking Spark Plug Electrode Gap
      G02590108Courtesy 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 and then dry it.

      • Air pressure: 588 kPa (6 kgf/cm 2  , 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 trace of oil, use gasoline to clean off the oil before using the spark plug cleaner.

    Fig 4: Cleaning Spark Plugs
    G02590109Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  2. INSPECT VVT SENSOR 
    1. Measure the resistance between the terminals.

    Standard: 

    TEMPERATURE SPECIFIED CONDITION CHART (1 OF 2)

    Temperature Specified Condition
    Cold 835 to 1,400 Ω
    Hot 1,060 to 1,645 Ω

    If the result is not as specified, replace the sensor.

  3. INSPECT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR 
    1. Measure the resistance between the terminals.

    Standard: 

    TEMPERATURE SPECIFIED CONDITION CHART (2 OF 2)

    Temperature Specified Condition
    Cold 1,630 to 2,740 Ω
    Hot 2,065 to 3,225 Ω

    If the result is not as specified, replace the sensor.

About FixVault