How To Test The Ignition Coils (1997-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry)

TEST 8: Checking The Ignition Coils' Activation Signals

When neither ignition coil tower fires spark, it's usually because they aren't receiving an activation (IGT) signal from your Camry's fuel injection computer.

In this section, we'll verify that each ignition coil is receiving an activation (IGT) signal using a multimeter with Hertz (Hz) frequency capability.

Here's what we're looking for:

• Both ignition coil signals are missing: This suggests a problem with the crankshaft and/or camshaft position sensors.
• Both ignition coil signals are present: This points to faulty ignition coils. (Although it's rare for both coils to fail simultaneously, it's not impossible.)

To perform this test, you'll need a multimeter with Hertz (Hz) capability. If you don't have one and need to buy one, I suggest the: Tekpower TP8268 AC/DC Auto/Manual Range Digital Multimeter with NCV Feature (at: amazon.com).

Let's get testing:

1. 1

   Set the multimeter to Hertz (Hz) mode.

2. 2

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

3. 3

   Connect the black multimeter test lead to the Cyl 1/4 ignition coil's IGT signal wire using an appropriate tool to either back-probe the connector or pierce the wire.
   
   Coil 1/4: This is the black (BLK) wire of the grey connector.
   
   Coil 2/3: This is the yellow with red stripe (YEL/RED) wire of the black connector.
   
   IMPORTANT: The ignition coil must remain connected to its 4-wire connector.

4. 4

   Have your helper crank the engine while you observe the multimeter.

5. 5

   You should see fluctuating values of 2 to 20+ Hertz as the engine cranks (and possibly starts) on your multimeter.

6. 6

   Repeat steps 1 thru 5 on the Cyl 2/3 ignition coil.

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

CASE 1: The IGT signal is being delivered to both ignition coils. This is the correct and expected test result.

You can correctly conclude that the ignition coils are bad if you have:

• Confirmed that all four spark plug wires DO NOT spark (TEST 1).
• Confirmed that all four spark ignition coil towers DO NOT spark (TEST 1).
• Confirmed that both ignition coils are receiving an activation signal (this test section).

CASE 2: The ignition coils are not getting an IGT signal. Without this activation signal, the ignition coils are not gonna spark.

The most likely cause of these missing ignition coil activation signals is a bad crankshaft position (CKP) sensor or camshaft position (CMP) sensor. Your next step is to check the CKP and CMP sensors.

• How To Test The Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor (1997-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry).
• How To Test The Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor (1997-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry).

More 2.2L Toyota Camry Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 2.2L Toyota Camry tutorials and wiring diagrams in this index:

• 2.2L Toyota Camry Index Of Articles.

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

• How To Test The Fuel Injectors (1997-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry).
• How To Test Engine Compression (1990-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry, Celica).
• How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (1990-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry, Celica).
• How To Test The Fuel Pump (1996-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry).
• How To Test The TPS With A Multimeter (1997-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry).