Warning: Due to the high voltage that is generated in the ignition system, extreme care must always be taken when servicing its components. This applies not only to the ignition module/ECU, ignition coil and high voltage wires, but also to components such as electrical connectors, tachometer, and other parameter monitoring equipment.
Note: This is an initial check of the ignition subsystem, which is part of the engine management system. It is one of the preliminary checks of the entire engine management system (see chapter 6).
1. If the engine cranks but does not start, disconnect the high voltage wire from any spark plug and connect it to a calibrated tester (which can be purchased at auto supply stores). Connect the tester clamp to a good ground - a bolt or metal bracket on the engine. If you are unable to purchase a calibrated ignition tester, then the ignition test must be performed by your dealers. Other verification methods (such as checking for a spark by grounding a high voltage wire) not recommended due to risk of accident or damage to the ignition/ECM module (see note here and in paragraph 1).
2. Crank the engine over and watch the tip of the tester for reliable blue sparks.
3. If sparking is noticeable, it means that sufficient voltage is supplied to the candle to ignite. Repeat the test for the rest of the spark plugs to make sure all the wires are good and the voltage coil is ok. However, the spark plugs themselves may be faulty or dirty. Therefore, remove and check them as indicated in chapter 1.
4. If there is intermittent or no spark, the spark plug wire may be bad. Check it out (see chapter 1).
5. If there is still no spark after this, check the electrical connector of the ignition coil and make sure that it is clean and securely fastened. Check if battery voltage is getting to the coil (that is, to the central terminal of its electrical connector). The coil is grounded through the ECU, so don't try to test it. Check the coil itself (paragraph 3). Make any necessary repairs, and then recheck.
6. The remaining checks of the system must be performed by dealers, since if the testing is incorrect, the LCU can be damaged.
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