Turn ignition switch "ON". On Pickup, disconnect Brown and Yellow wiring harness connectors. Connect voltmeter positive lead to the brown connector on wiring harness side.
On Starlet, remove coil cover. Connect voltmeter positive lead to resistor positive terminal and voltmeter negative lead to ground. All readings should be 12 volts.
On Pickup, reconnect Brown wiring harness connector. Connect voltmeter positive lead to Yellow connector (ignitor side). Connect negative lead to ignitor body. Reading should be 12 volts. On Starlet, connector voltmeter positive lead to coil negative terminal and negative lead to ground. Voltage should be less than 3 volts.
On all models, unplug wiring connector from distributor. Using a 1.5 volt dry cell battery, connect battery positive pole to Pink wire terminal and negative pole to White wire terminal. On Starlet, connect voltmeter positive probe to coil negative terminal and negative probe to ground.
On Pickup, connect voltmeter positive probe to Yellow connector (ignitor side) and negative probe to ground. Readings should be 7 volts.

Fig 1: Checking Ignitor Operation with 1.5 Volt Battery

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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.

Safety Warning

Pickup & Starlet Models