How To Test The Ignition Coil (1992-1995 2.2L Toyota Camry)

TEST 4: Making Sure The Igniter Is Activating The Ignition Coil

Alright, this is the last test and the one you signed up for! In this test section we're gonna' see if the igniter (ignition control module) is activating the ignition coil.

The ignition coil control signal is delivered to the ignition coil across the black with red stripe (BLK/RED) wire of the distributor's 2 wire connector.

The BLK/RED wire connects to the male spade terminal identified with the number 1 in the image above.

We can very easily confirm this activation signal by using an LED light.

To see an example of the LED light that you need to use, and the one that I use to test the ignition coil control signal, go here: The LED Light Test Tool and How To Make One (at: easyautodiagnostics.com).

NOTE: LEDs are polarity specific and so their wires will be black and red. This also means that you'll need to pay close attention to what the instructions are telling you to connect the black or red LED wires.

Here are the test steps:

1. 1

   Disconnect the 2-wire distributor connector.
   
   IMPORTANT: This test is done on the distributor's engine wiring harness connector. This connector has female metal terminals.

2. 2

   Connect red LED wire to the WHT/RED wire of the 2-wire engine wiring harness distributor connector.
   
   IMPORTANT: Do not insert a thick male spade terminal or wire into the female terminal of the connector, or you'll damage the terminal.

3. 3

   Connect black LED wire to the BLK/RED wire of the 2-wire engine wiring harness distributor connector.
   
   IMPORTANT: Do not insert a thick male spade terminal or wire into the female terminal of the connector, or you'll damage the terminal.

4. 4

   Have your helper crank the engine after the LED light is set up.

5. 5

   The LED light should flash ON and OFF as the engine turns if the ignition coil control signal is present.

Let's take a look at what your test results mean:

CASE 1: The LED light flashed ON and OFF as the engine was cranked. This is the correct and expected test result and confirms that the igniter (ignition control module) is activating the ignition coil.

You can now conclude that the ignition coil is defective and needs to be replace if you have:

• Confirmed a lack of spark at all 4 cylinders (TEST 1).
• Confirmed no spark directly on the ignition coil tower (TEST 2).
• Confirmed the ignition coil is getting power (TEST 3).
• Confirmed the ignition coil is getting an activation signal from the igniter (TEST 4).

CASE 2: The LED light DID NOT flash ON and OFF as the engine was cranked. This usually means that the igniter (ignition control module) is not working since it's not sending an ignition coil control signal.

Your next step is to test the igniter and the camshaft position sensors inside the distributor before condemning the ignition coil. This tutorial will help you accomplish this: How To Test The Igniter (1992-1995 2.2L Toyota Camry).

More 2.2L Toyota Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 2.2L Toyota tutorials in this index: Toyota 2.2L Index Of Articles

Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

• How To Retrieve OBD I Trouble Codes (1992-1995 2.2L Camry).
• TPS Idle Switch Multimeter Test (1992-1996 2.2L Camry).
• How To Test The Throttle Position Sensor (1992-1996 2.2L Camry).
• How To Test The Fuel Pump (1992-1995 2.2L Toyota Camry).