Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Ignition System: Inspection
- INSPECT SPARK PLUG
- Inspect the electrode gap of the spark plug.NOTE:
- Do not adjust the gap except when the plug is new (the mileage of the vehicle is less than 600 miles), because of the iridium plug.
- Do not damage the iridium tip.
Plug type and electrode gap:
PLUG TYPE AND ELECTRODE GAPMaker Type Correct Gap Maximum Gap DENSO SK20R11 1.0 - 1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in.) 1.3 mm (0.051 in.) NGK IFR6A11 1.0 - 1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in.) 1.3 mm (0.051 in.) If the gap is greater than the maximum, consumption of the iridium tip might cause it. In this case, exchange the spark plug with a new one.
- Clean the spark plug.NOTE: Cleaning of the spark plug should not be done, because it might cause the iridium tip to be damaged. However, in case that the spark plug is remarkably dirty and cleaning is necessary, cleaning must be done in the shortest time (less than 20 seconds) in order to protect the electrode.
- Inspect the electrode gap of the spark plug.
- INSPECT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
- Check the resistance.
- Check the resistance between the terminals.
Resistance:
1,630 - 2,740 +/- (when cold*)
2,065 - 3,225 +/- (when hot*)
NOTE: Terms "when cold*" and "when hot*" in this text shows the temperature of the part itself to be inspected. Also, the temperature setting range is 20 +/- 30°C (68 +/- 54°F) when cold and 75 +/- 25°C (167 +/- 45°F) when hot.
- Check the resistance between the terminals.
- Check the resistance.
- INSPECT CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
- Check the resistance.
- Check the resistance between the terminals.
Resistance:
835 - 1,400 +/- (when cold*)
1,060 - 1,645 +/- (when hot*)
NOTE: Terms "when cold*" and "when hot*" in this text shows the temperature of the part itself to be inspected. Also, the temperature setting range is 20 +/- 30°C (68 +/- 54°F) when cold and 75 +/- 25°C (167 +/- 45°F) when hot.
- Check the resistance between the terminals.
- Check the resistance.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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