Engine: Testing and Inspection

2001 Toyota Highlander 2WD L4-2.4L (2AZ-FE)SECTION Testing and Inspection
INSPECTION
1. INSPECT COOLANT
2. INSPECT ENGINE OIL
3. INSPECT BATTERY [28800 / 98-150]
Standard specific gravity: 1.25 - 1.29 at 20°C (68°F)
4. INSPECT AIR CLEANER FILTER ELEMENT SUB-ASSY [17801 / 98-30]
5. INSPECT SPARK PLUG [19100P / 98-34]
6. INSPECT V-RIBBED BELT
7. INSPECT IGNITION TIMING
a. Warm up engine.
b. When using TOYOTA hand-held tester.
1. Connect the TOYOTA hand-held tester to the DLC3.
Ignition timing: 8 - 12° BTDC

HINT: Please refer to the TOYOTA hand-held tester operator's manual for further details.

c. When not using TOYOTA hand-held tester.





1. Using SST, connect terminals 13 (TC) and 4 (CG) of DLC3.
SST 09843-18040, 09843-18020

NOTICE:
- Be sure not to connect incorrectly. It causes breakage of the engine.
- Turn OFF all electrical systems.
- Operate the inspection when the cooling fan motor is turned OFF.

2. Remove the cylinder head cover No.2.





3. Pull out the wire harness as shown in the illustration. Connect the clip of the timing light to the engine.

NOTICE:
- Use a timing light which can detect the first signal.
- After checking, be sure to tape the wire harness.

4. Inspect ignition timing at idle.
Ignition timing: 8 - 12° BTDC

NOTICE: When checking the ignition timing, the transmission is at neutral position.

HINT: After engine rpm is kept at 1,000 - 1,300 r/min. for 5 seconds, check that it returns idle speed.

5. Disconnect terminals 13 (TC) and 4 (CG) of DLC3.
6. Inspect ignition timing at idle.
Ignition timing: 5 - 15° BTDC
7. Confirm that ignition timing moves to advanced angle side when the engine rpm is increased.
8. Remove the timing light.
8. INSPECT ENGINE IDLE SPEED
a. Warm up engine.
b. When using TOYOTA hand-held tester.
1. Connect the TOYOTA hand-held tester to the DLC3.
Idle speed: 600 - 700 r/min.

NOTICE:
- Check idle speed with cooling fan OFF.
- Switch off all accessories and air conditioning.

HINT: Please refer to the TOYOTA hand-held tester operator's manual for further details.





c. When not using TOYOTA hand-held tester.
1. Using SST, connect tachometer test prove to terminal 9 (TAC) of DLC3.
SST 09843-18040
2. Check the idle speed.
Idle speed: 600 - 700 r/min.
9. INSPECT COMPRESSION
a. Warm up and stop engine.
b. Disconnect the injector connectors.
c. Remove ignition coil.
d. Remove spark plugs.





e. Inspect cylinder compression pressure.
SST 09992-00500
1. Insert a compression gauge into the spark plug hole.
2. Fully open the throttle.
3. While cranking the engine, measure the compression pressure.
Compression pressure: 1.360 MPa (13.9 kgf/cm2, 198 psi)
Minimum pressure: 0.98 MPa (10 kgf/cm2, 142 psi)
Difference between each cylinder: 100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm2, 14 psi)

NOTICE:
- Always use a fully charged battery to obtain engine speed of 250 rpm or more.
- Check other cylinder's compression pressure in the same way. This measurement must be done in as short a time as possible.

4. If the cylinder compression is low, pour a small amount of engine oil into the cylinder through the spark plug hole and inspect again.

HINT:
- If adding oil increases the compression, it is likely that the piston rings and/or cylinder bore are worn or damaged.
- If pressure stays low, a valve may be sticking or seating improperly, or there may be leakage past the gasket.

10. INSPECT CO/HC
a. Start the engine.
b. Race engine at 2,500 rpm for approximately 180 seconds.
c. Insert CO/HC meter testing probe at least 40 cm (1.3 ft) into tailpipe during idling.
d. Immediately check CO/HC concentration at idle and/or 2,500 r/min.

HINT: Complete the measuring within 3 minutes. When doing the 2 mode (idle and 2,500 r/min) test, these measuring orders are prescribed by the applicable local regulations.

e. If the CO/HC concentration does not comply with regulations, troubleshoot in the order given.
1. Check heated oxygen sensor operation.





2. See the table for possible causes, and then inspect and correct the applicable causes if necessary.


RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.