TEST 5: Activation Signal For Cylinders 1 And 5
If you've reached this point, you have:
- Confirmed that the spark plug wires that connect to cylinders 1 and 5 do not spark (TEST 1).
- Confirmed that the ignition towers of cylinders 1 and 5 do not spark (TEST 3).
For our last test, we'll check for the presence of the activation signal the ignition col pack needs to fire spark to cylinders 1 and 5.
This is very easy test to do and it's done with a 12-volt automotive test light (non-powered type).
The wire that carries the activation signal to the coil pack is the dark blue with light green stripe (DK BLU/LT GRN) wire of the ignition coil's 4-wire connector.
In the photo above, the DK BLU/LT GRN wire connects to the female terminal labeled with the number 1.
IMPORTANT: When using the probe tip of your 12V test light, be very careful to avoid damaging the female terminal or the connector. If either one is damaged, you'll need to replace the entire connector.
CAUTION: This test has to be performed with the engine cranking. Be careful and take all necessary safety precautions.
Alright, let's start:
- 1
Disconnect the ignition coil from its 4-wire electrical connector.
- 2
Connect the 12V test light's alligator clip to the battery positive (+) post.
- 3
With the test light's probing tip, gently probe terminal number 1.
Terminal number 1 should connect to the DK BLU/LT GRN wire. - 4
Have your helper crank the engine.
- 5
The 12V test light should flash ON and OFF the whole time the engine is cranking.
Let's find out what your test result means:
CASE 1: The 12V test light flashed ON and OFF the whole time the engine was cranking. With this test result you can conclude that the PCM is providing the cylinder 1/5 activation signal and the circuit is OK.
You can conclude that the ignition coil pack is bad if you have:
- Confirmed that the spark plug wires for cylinders 1 and 5 are not sparking (TEST 1).
- Confirmed that the ignition coil towers for cylinders 1 and 5 are not sparking (TEST 3).
- Confirmed that the ignition coil pack is receiving the cylinder 1/5 activation signal from the fuel injection computer (this test section).
CASE 2: The 12V test light DID NOT flash ON and OFF the whole time the engine was cranking. This test result usually means that there's either an open-circuit in the circuit between the connector and the PCM or the PCM is fried (altho' very rare).
With this result you have eliminated the coil pack itself as the source of the misfire condition or no-spark condition. Your next step is to resolve the issue causing this missing IC activation signal.
TEST 6: Activation Signal For Cylinders 2 And 6
If you've reached this point, you have:
- Confirmed that the spark plug wires that connect to cylinders 2 and 6 do not spark (TEST 1).
- Confirmed that the ignition towers of cylinders 2 and 6 do not spark (TEST 3).
For our last test, we'll check for the presence of the activation signal the ignition col pack needs to fire spark to cylinders 2 and 6.
This is very easy test to do and it's done with a 12-volt automotive test light (non-powered type).
The wire that carries the activation signal to the coil pack is the pink with white stripe (PNK/WHT) wire of the ignition coil's 4-wire connector.
In the photo above, the PNK/WHT wire connects to the female terminal labeled with the number 2.
IMPORTANT: When using the probe tip of your 12V test light, be very careful to avoid damaging the female terminal or the connector. If either one is damaged, you'll need to replace the entire connector.
CAUTION: This test has to be performed with the engine cranking. Be careful and take all necessary safety precautions.
Alright, let's start:
- 1
Disconnect the ignition coil from its 4-wire electrical connector.
- 2
Connect the 12V test light's alligator clip to the battery positive (+) post.
- 3
With the test light's probing tip, gently probe terminal number 2.
Terminal number 2 should connect to the PNK/WHT wire. - 4
Have your helper crank the engine.
- 5
The 12V test light should flash ON and OFF the whole time the engine is cranking.
Let's find out what your test result means:
CASE 1: The 12V test light flashed ON and OFF the whole time the engine was cranking. With this test result you can conclude that the PCM is providing the cylinder 2/6 activation signal and the circuit is OK.
You can conclude that the ignition coil pack is bad if you have:
- Confirmed that the spark plug wires for cylinders 2 and 6 are not sparking (TEST 1).
- Confirmed that the ignition coil towers for cylinders 2 and 6 are not sparking (TEST 3).
- Confirmed that the ignition coil pack is receiving the cylinder 2/6 activation signal from the fuel injection computer (this test section).
CASE 2: The 12V test light DID NOT flash ON and OFF the whole time the engine was cranking. This test result usually means that there's either an open-circuit in the circuit between the connector and the PCM or the PCM is fried (altho very rare).
With this result you have eliminated the coil pack itself as the source of the misfire condition or no-spark condition. Your next step is to resolve the issue causing this missing IC activation signal.
TEST 7: Activation Signal For Cylinders 3 And 4
If you've reached this point, you have:
- Confirmed that the spark plug wires that connect to cylinders 3 and 4 do not spark (TEST 1).
- Confirmed that the ignition towers of cylinders 3 and 4 do not spark (TEST 3).
For our last test, we'll check for the presence of the activation signal the ignition col pack needs to fire spark to cylinders 3 and 4.
This is very easy test to do and it's done with a 12-volt automotive test light (non-powered type).
The wire that carries the activation signal to the coil pack is the red with light blue stripe (RED/LT BLU) wire of the ignition coil's 4-wire connector.
In the photo above, the RED/LT BLU wire connects to the female terminal labeled with the number 3.
IMPORTANT: When using the probe tip of your 12V test light, be very careful to avoid damaging the female terminal or the connector. If either one is damaged, you'll need to replace the entire connector.
CAUTION: This test has to be performed with the engine cranking. Be careful and take all necessary safety precautions.
Alright, let's start:
- 1
Disconnect the ignition coil from its 4-wire electrical connector.
- 2
Connect the 12V test light's alligator clip to the battery positive (+) post.
- 3
With the test light's probing tip, gently probe terminal number 3.
Terminal number 3 should connect to the RED/LT BLU wire. - 4
Have your helper crank the engine.
- 5
The 12V test light should flash ON and OFF the whole time the engine is cranking.
Let's find out what your test result means:
CASE 1: The 12V test light flashed ON and OFF the whole time the engine was cranking. With this test result you can conclude that the PCM is providing the cylinder 3/4 activation signal and the circuit is OK.
You can conclude that the ignition coil pack is bad if you have:
- Confirmed that the spark plug wires for cylinders 3 and 4 are not sparking (TEST 1).
- Confirmed that the ignition coil towers for cylinders 3 and 4 are not sparking (TEST 3).
- Confirmed that the ignition coil pack is receiving the cylinder 3/4 activation signal from the fuel injection computer (this test section).
CASE 2: The 12V test light DID NOT flash ON and OFF the whole time the engine was cranking. This test result usually means that there's either an open-circuit in the circuit between the connector and the PCM or the PCM is fried (altho' very rare).
With this result you have eliminated the coil pack itself as the source of the misfire condition or no-spark condition. Your next step is to resolve the issue causing this missing IC activation signal.