How to test an igniter on a Toyota/Lexus

The procedures shown in this video will help you isolate the cause of a no start, no spark condition on a Toyota or Lexus system that uses an igniter built separately from the ignition coil. On 3 and 4 wire coil over plug systems, the igniter is actually built into the ignition coil. Similar procedures can be performed on those designs as well.
With any no spark condition, you need to determine if you have an input or output problem. If you can simulate the signals the engine computer uses to control the igniter, you can troubleshoot the problem area very quickly.

Test procedures shown:
- how to determine pull-up or pull-down circuitry
- how to read a wiring diagram
- how to "be the computer" and trigger the igniter to fire the coil

Tools used:
- Incandescent test light
- Digital Multi-Meter

Related Videos:
- How to test an ignition coil with a test light (C.O.P design)
- Honda Civic 1.5 misfire, weak spark (bad igniter)
- How to troubleshoot a no spark condition with a test light (Subaru)
- Basic Ignition Description, Operation and Testing (any car)

Playlist:
- (Chapter 22) No Spark Troubleshooting, Ignition Coil & Module Testing

On ScannerDanner Premium I will bring you right into my classroom at Rosedale Technical College. You will find page for page lectures taken right from my book as well as exclusive classroom type case studies. What is so special about these classroom case studies? I pull live problem vehicles directly into my classroom and we troubleshoot them in real time, using and applying the theory and testing procedures we learn during the classroom lectures. There is no better on-line training of how to troubleshoot automotive electrical and electronics systems anywhere!

Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ScannerDanner LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ScannerDanner LLC recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ScannerDanner LLC.

[Ratwagonz]

This is remarkably helpful. Thank you 11 years later!

[NateSpring]

AWESOME VIDEO!!!! I'm currently wiring a 1UZ into an old Datsun 280z and cant seem to get spark from either coil. I think this may help me quite a bit. Thanks!!

[ScannerDanner]

Great! I'm glad you liked it. My plan is to eventually demostrate all of the testing methods that I am listing in my book. For marketing purposes of course and to help out those who have purchased it and need more info.

[ScannerDanner]

@MrMratni You could. Keep that power probe as far away from the car as possible for my type of testing. In this video what you are doing is energizing the base circuit of a transistor inside of the igniter. I have seen as little as 3v used as a base circuit control. What do you think would happen if you sent 12v to the base with no limit to current flow? The incandescent bulb in my test light is acting as a resistor (a safety net). Your power probe has no resistance!

[ScannerDanner]

Your focus is certainly toward the ignitors but for both of them to fail at the same time seems unlikely. Make sure you check the main power and ground to the ignitors and also make sure the coil(-) wire (measured at the ignitors) is reading a steady battery voltage during cranking. In a working system this coil(-) wire should be pulsing. If you have my eBook refer to Section 22 page 8 and 9 for "control" testing of coil (-)

[mileybabydoll]

This is exactly what I was looking for with my No Spark. I'm still leaning toward CKP circuit, but this will definitely help me eliminate the igniters and coils! Thanks a bunch!

[АлексейСоловьёв-ьщш]

I've solved a tricky case yesterday. Car was brought to my friends garage after it had visited pair of other shops. Also toyota with the same ignitor. Actually Vista 1996. It had a spark, injection pulse, fuel pressure, alll was ok. But wasn't even an slight attempt to start. Great compression also. Ive assumed TP, MAP, timing - it was alll great. Then ive re checked spark. Yes, it could hit spark plug at the atmospheric pressure, but it couldn't hit a gap of spark tester even 1cm of gap. So ive checked the coil, and found out that secondary winding was shorted. But it wasnt all. After coil was replaced, it could hit 0.5 cm of spark tester but not a millimeter more. I was confused as distributor cap was NEW. I ran through powers, grounds, and it all was great. Last test ive done was unplug central wire on distributor, and tried to check how a coil by itself can hit directly without distributor. Without a distributor - coil easily hit 1+ cm of tester. Ive disassembled the distributor, turned out its basement was old, but cap was new chinese cap. After ive cleaned the contacts, ive seen the system to start hitting 1cm of tester, but with a very very weak yellow spark. It wasnt enough to start a car. So new cap was shit. NEW. My friend brought another distributor - car started immediately. So shitty new distributor cap killed secondary winding of previous coil, and could kill new, but i was fast enough to find it out. That was a fix. I was able to fix that, only because i constantly watch your videos and read your book. You help people alll around the world to fix vehicles. Thank you!

[jonathanrobinson]

Well done. You explained how to test the igniter system perfectly

[ScannerDanner]

nice! thank you!
i think i had this one in section 2 on pull-up design circuits right?
or maybe an example of module to module communication.
there are so many that fall in multiple subjects it's getting hard to remember where i placed them

[christopher]

thank you very clear simple easy instructions nice to see someone actually with automotive knowledge on here

[ScannerDanner]

that test will not work for an ignition coil primary circuit. Coils draw from 6-10 amps of current each and your test light doesn't support that type of flow.
Does it have no spark on either coil pack or just one?

[studentoflife]

I did exactly what you said on my 95 Lexus ls400 because I initially wasnt getting spark from the coil and was coming to the conclusion that my coils are bad but because of this bypass test i got spark to the coil. Im pretty sure its my cam or crank sensor but i have yet to test them to confirm. Anyway, thanks for this great video, really helped.

[Alistar-so]

I enjoyed the instruction on this post and it has helped to a point. I am working with a 96 Toyota Tacoma 2.7 liter with a no spark condition. I have tested continuity between crank sensor and ECM, between Igniter IGT B/L wire to ECM and performed the spark test by jumping with a test light 12v to the IGT by back pinning and received spark. What about a vehicle that has IGF safety signal, which if missing will cut fuel pump and spark?

[sara]

never see teacher like paul on youtube good vid

[patrick]

Great video and my question is since you showed a spark is the ecu bad or ignition module? Thanks

[dreamer]

Another excellent demonstration. Im looking forward to purchasing your book to help me in the field!

[egnb]

Nice to know. The circuit design does indicate what is going on. The trained mind will know the untrained mind will never know but it is nice to see someone tell us all how to do it one way or the other.

[EC-zqbz]

Awesome explanation and display of knowledge. Any tips on how I can develop that type of critical thinking. GOD BLESS

[TradeDiagnostics]

Hi Paul
Thanks for your help, I agree that both ignitors prob have not failed, I have noticed there is no ground at the ignitor connectors, do they use the ignitor body for a I have checked power supply and they are both good while cranking??

[anyway_anyway]

awsume wish i had u as my teacher when i went to school.