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

TEST 1: Making Sure The Igniter Is Getting Power

The first thing we need to do is to make sure that the igniter (ignition control module) is getting power.

The wire feeds the igniter with battery power is the white with red stripe (WHT/RED) wire of the igniter harness connector.

The WHT/RED wire connects to female terminal labeled with the number 3 in the image above.

IMPORTANT: Remember, it's important that you have verified that the ignition coil IS NOT sparking and that it IS NOT getting the IGC signal. You can do this with the help of this tutorial: How To Test The Ignition Coil (1992-1995 2.2L Camry).

Let's get started:

1. 1

   Connect the red multimeter test lead to the WHT/RED wire of the igniter's electrical connector. This is the wire that connects to female terminal number 3 in the image above (of the igniter's harness connector).

2. 2

   Connect the black multimeter test lead to the battery negative (-) terminal.

3. 3

   Have your helper turn the key to the ON position.

4. 4

   Your multimeter should read 10 to 12 Volts DC if the igniter is getting battery power.

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

CASE 1: The igniter is getting 10 to 12 Volts DC. This is the correct and expected test result. The next step is to make sure the igniter is getting Ground. For this step, go to: TEST 2: Making Sure The Igniter Is Getting Ground.

CASE 2: The igniter IS NOT getting battery power. This tells you that the igniter 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 igniter should function again.

TEST 2: Making Sure The Igniter Is Getting Ground

The igniter (ignition control module) gets Ground thru' its case.

So, in this test section, we're gonna' do a very simple multimeter voltage test to make sure the igniter is Grounded.

Here are the test steps:

1. 1

   Check that the igniter is bolted securely to its metal bracket and that the metal bracket is bolted securely to your Toyota's strut tower.

2. 2

   Connect the red multimeter test lead to the battery positive (+) post.

3. 3

   With the black multimeter test lead, touch the igniter's metal case.

4. 4

   Your multimeter should read 10 to 12 Volts DC if the igniter is Grounded.

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

CASE 1: The igniter is getting Ground. This is the correct and expected test result. The next step is to make sure the igniter is getting the IGT signals from the fuel injection computer. For this step, go to: TEST 3: Testing The Igniter Control Signal.

CASE 2: The igniter IS NOT getting Ground. This tells you that the igniter is not working due to a lack of chassis Ground.

Your next step is make sure that the igniter is bolted securely to its location in the engine compartment. You may also have to make sure that your Toyota Camry's chassis is Grounded to the battery negative (-) terminal. Restoring Ground to the igniter's case will solve the 'no-spark no-start' condition.