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 NOTE:
- Do not use a wire brush for cleaning.
- Do not attempt to adjust the electrode gap of a used spark plug.
- Check the electrode.
- Using an megaohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.
Correct insulation resistance: 10 MΩ or higher
If the resistance is less than the specified value, proceed to step ( d).
HINT:
If the megaohmmeter is not available, perform the following simple inspection instead.
- Using an megaohmmeter, measure the insulation resistance.
- Alternative inspection method:
- Quickly accelerate the engine to 4,000 rpm 5 times.
- Remove the spark plug.
- Visually check the spark plug.
- Check the spark plug for any damage on its thread and insulator.
If there is any damage, replace the spark plug. If not, reinstall the spark plug.
RECOMMENDED SPARK PLUG TABLEDENSO made SK20R11 NGK made IFR6A11 - 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. - Clean the spark plugs.
If the electrode his 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 traces of oil, use gasoline to clean off the oil before using the spark plug cleaner.
- INSPECT CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
- Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the terminals.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR - REFERENCE TABLECondition Specified Condition Cold 835 to 1,400 Ω Hot 1,060 to 1,645 Ω If the resistance is not as specified, replace the sensor.
- INSPECT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
- Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the terminals.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR - REFERENCE TABLECondition Specified Condition Cold 1,630 to 2,740 Ω Hot 2,065 to 3,225 Ω If the resistance is not as specified, replace the sensor.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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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