Engine No-Start Ignition System Tests (1992-1993 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry)

TEST 6: Making Sure The Ignition Coil Is Getting Its Activation Signal

After checking the voltage supply to the ignition coil, we need to confirm that it's receiving an activation signal from the igniter (ignition control module).

We're gonna check for the presence of the ignition coil activation signal at the ignition coil's 2-wire connector with an LED light.

If you don't have an automotive LED light, you can see an example (and where to buy it) here: The LED Light Test Tool And How To Make One (at: easyautodiagnostics.com).

IMPORTANT: The igniter must remain connected to its electrical connector for this test to function.

1. 1

   Disconnect the ignition coil from its 2-wire connector.

2. 2

   Connect the red LED wire to the female terminal that corresponds to the white with red stripe (WHT/RED) wire of the ignition coil's 2-wire connector.
   
   The WHT/RED wire should connect to terminal 1 of the connector (see illustration above).
   
   CAUTION: You'll connect the LED wire to the female terminal of the connector. Do not insert a large diameter test lead into the female terminal of the ignition coil connector, or you'll damage the female terminal!

3. 3

   Connect the black LED wire to the female terminal that corresponds to the black with white stripe (BLK/WHT) wire of the ignition coil's 2-wire connector.
   
   The BLK/WHT wire should connect to terminal 2 of the connector (see illustration above).

4. 4

   After the LED light is set up, have your helper crank the engine as you observe the LED light.

5. 5

   The LED light should flash ON and OFF as the engine cranks.

Let's interpret your test result:

CASE 1: The LED light flashed ON and OFF. This is the correct and expected test result and it lets you know that the igniter is functioning correctly and activating the ignition coil.

You can conclude that the ignition coil is bad and needs to be replaced if you have confirmed:

• All six spark plug wires are not sparking (TEST 1).
• The ignition coil's high tension wire is not sparking (TEST 2).
• The ignition coil's tower is not sparking (TEST 4).
• The ignition coil is receiving 10 to 12 Volts (TEST 5).
• The ignition coil is receiving an activation signal (this test section).

CASE 2: The LED light DID NOT flash ON and OFF. This test result confirms that the reason the ignition coil is not sparking is because it's not receiving an activation signal from the igniter.

Your next step is to test the igniter. This tutorial will help you do that:

• How To Test The Igniter (1992-1993 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).

More 3.0L Toyota Camry Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 3.0L Toyota Camry tutorials and wiring diagrams in this index:

• 3.0L Toyota Camry Index of Articles.

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

• How To Test Engine Compression (1992-2006 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).
• How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (1992-2006 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).
• How To Test The TPS (1997-2001 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).
• How To Test The MAF Sensor (1997-2001 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).