TEST 2: Testing For Spark Directly On The Ignition Coil Tower
Now, that you've confirmed a lack of spark at all 4 spark plug wires, the next step is to check for spark directly on the ignition coil's tower.
The main reason for this test is to eliminate or confirm the distributor cap/rotor as defective.
NOTE: Although the above illustration shows the distributor off of the car, this is an on-car test. Don't remove the distributor to test for spark.
Alright, these are the test steps:
- 1
Remove the distributor cap and then remove the distributor rotor.
NOTE: Removing the distributor rotor is an important safety precaution! - 2
Place the HEI spark tester directly on the ignition coil tower. Ground the spark tester, using a battery jump start cable, to the battery negative (-) post.
- 3
Have your helper crank the engine as you secure the spark tester on top of the ignition coil tower
- 4
The spark tester should spark as the engine turns if the ignition coil is functioning.
Let's take a look at what your test results mean:
CASE 1: The ignition coil sparked away. This is the correct and expected test result and tells you that the ignition coil is not defective.
If you got a no spark test result at all 4 cylinders (in TEST 1), then you can correctly conclude that the distributor rotor and cap are defective and need to be replaced.
CASE 2: The ignition coil did not spark away. OK, this test result now confirms that the 'no start' problem your 2.2L Toyota Camry is due to a lack of spark.
The next steps are now to make sure the ignition coil is getting power and that the igniter (ignition control module) is activating it. For the next step, go to: TEST 3: Making Sure The Ignition Coil Is Getting Power
TEST 3: Making Sure The Ignition Coil Is Getting Power
In this test section, we're gonna' make sure that the ignition coil is getting power by doing a simple multimeter voltage test.
Battery power is delivered to the ignition coil across the white with red stripe (WHT/RED) wire of the distributor's 2 wire connector.
The RED/WHT wire connects to the male spade terminal identified with the number 2 in the image above.
By the way, you can find the 1992-1995 2.2L Toyota Camry ignition system wiring diagram here: Ignition System Wiring Diagram 1994 2.2L Toyota Camry.
NOTE: You'll be testing the WHT/RED wire of the distributor 2-wire engine wiring harness connector. This connector has female terminals.
Let's get started:
- 1
Disconnect the 2-wire distributor connector. The two wire connector is the one that feeds power to the ignition coil.
- 2
Connect the red multimeter test lead to the RED/WHT wire.
NOTE: Don't probe the front of the connector, or you'll damage the female terminal. Use a back probe or a wire piercing probe to check for battery power. - 3
Connect the black multimeter test lead to the battery (-) negative post.
Have your helper turn the key to the ON position. - 4
Your multimeter should read 10 to 12 Volts DC if the ignition coil is getting battery power.
Let's take a look at what your test results mean:
CASE 1: The ignition coil is getting 10 to 12 Volts DC. This is the correct and expected test result.
The next step is to make sure the igniter (ignition control module) is sending the ignition control signal to the ignition coil. For this step, go to: TEST 4: Making Sure The Igniter Is Activating The Ignition Coil.
CASE 2: The ignition coil IS NOT getting battery power. This tells you that the ignition coil is not working due to a lack of battery power.
Your next step is to find out why this battery power is missing and restore it. Once battery power is restored, the ignition coil should function again. The following wiring diagram should help you: Ignition System Wiring Diagram 1994 2.2L Toyota Camry.