1998 Toyota Tercel AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Spark Test: Tercel

  1. Remove ignition coils. See REMOVE/INSTALL/OVERHAUL article.
  2. Reconnect electrical connectors and spark plug wires on ignition coils. Remove spark plugs. Install spark plug on each ignition coil and each spark plug wire. Ground spark plugs against cylinder block.
    CAUTION: To prevent gasoline from being injected, DO NOT crank engine for longer than 5 seconds when checking for spark.
  3. Crank engine and check for spark. If spark exists at spark plug on ignition coil, but not on spark plug on spark plug wire, go to next step. If spark does not exist on any spark plug, check ignition coil electrical connections. If electrical connections are okay, go to step 5). If electrical connections are defective, repair as necessary and recheck for spark.
  4. Using ohmmeter, check resistance of spark plug wire. Replace spark plug wire if resistance exceeds 25,000 ohms per wire.
  5. Turn ignition on. Using voltmeter, check for battery voltage at ignition coil positive terminal. See appropriate wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS article. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, check wiring between ignition switch and ignition coil.
  6. Check ignition coil resistance. See IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE (DISTRIBUTORLESS TYPE) . If ignition coil resistance is within specification, go to next step. If ignition coil resistance is not within specification, replace ignition coil. See REMOVE/INSTALL/OVERHAUL article.
  7. Check resistance of camshaft position sensor. See CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR RESISTANCE  under IGNITION CHECKS (DISTRIBUTORLESS IGNITION SYSTEM). If camshaft position sensor resistance is within specification, go to next step. If camshaft position sensor resistance is not within specification, replace camshaft position sensor. See REMOVE/INSTALL/OVERHAUL article.
  8. Check resistance of crankshaft position sensor. See CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR RESISTANCE (DISTRIBUTORLESS TYPE) . If crankshaft position sensor resistance is within specification, go to next step. If crankshaft position sensor resistance is not within specification, replace crankshaft position sensor. See REMOVE/INSTALL/OVERHAUL article.
  9. Check ignition IGT signal from Engine Control Module (ECM) to ignition coil. If ignition IGT signal from ECM is defective, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1300 will be set in the ECM memory to indicate an ignitor circuit malfunction. See TESTS W/CODES article for retrieving and servicing of any DTCs.
  10. If ignition IGT signal is okay, substitute another ignition coil and recheck system operation. If ignition IGT signal is defective, check wiring between ECM and ignition coil. See ECM LOCATION  table. If wiring is defective, repair wiring as necessary and recheck system operation. If wiring is okay, substitute another ECM and recheck system operation. Reinstall components. Install and tighten spark plugs to 13 ft. lbs. (18 N.m).
ECM LOCATION

Model Location
Camry Behind Glove Box
Corolla Behind Stereo On Instrument Panel, Just In Front Of Center Console
RAV4 Behind Instrument Panel, Near Front Of Center Console
Tacoma & Tercel Behind Glove Box
T100 Behind Passenger's Side Kick Panel
4Runner Behind Glove Box
Factory Service Tools

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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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