TEST 6: Activation Signal For Cylinders 2 And 6
In this test section, we're gonna check the activation signal for the ignition coil (IC) that fires spark to cylinders 2 and 6.
The wire that delivers this activation signal is the pink with white stripe (PNK/WHT) wire of the ignition coil's 4-wire connector. This wire connects to the terminal labeled with the number 3 in the photo above.
We'll check for the presence of this activation signal with a 12 Volt automotive test light (non-powered test light).
IMPORTANT: Be careful not to damage the female terminal or the connector with your 12V test light's probing tip. If the terminal or the connector get damaged, you'll need to replace the connector.
CAUTION: This test has to be performed with the engine cranking. Be careful and take all necessary safety precautions.
Alright, let's start:
- 1
Disconnect the ignition coil from its 4-wire electrical connector.
- 2
Connect the 12V test light's alligator clip to the battery positive (+) post.
- 3
With the test light's probing tip, gently probe terminal number 3.
Terminal number 3 should connect to the PNK/WHT wire. - 4
Have your helper crank the engine.
- 5
The 12V test light should flash ON and OFF the whole time the engine is cranking.
Let's find out what your test result means:
CASE 1: The 12V test light flashed ON and OFF the whole time the engine was cranking. With this test result you can conclude that the PCM is providing the cylinder 2/6 activation signal and the circuit is OK.
You can conclude that the ignition coil pack is bad if you have:
- Confirmed that the spark plug wires for cylinders 2 and 6 are not sparking (TEST 1).
- Confirmed that the ignition coil towers for cylinders 2 and 6 are not sparking (TEST 3).
- Confirmed that the ignition coil pack is receiving the cylinder 2/6 activation signal from the fuel injection computer (this test section).
CASE 2: The 12V test light DID NOT flash ON and OFF the whole time the engine was cranking. This test result usually means that there's either an open-circuit in the circuit between the connector and the PCM or the PCM is fried (altho very rare).
With this result you have eliminated the coil pack itself as the source of the misfire condition or no-spark condition. Your next step is to resolve the issue causing this missing IC activation signal.
TEST 7: Activation Signal For Cylinders 3 And 4
In this test section, we're gonna check that the red with light blue stripe (RED/LT BLU) wire of the ignition coil pack's 4-wire connector is delivering the cylinder 3/4 activation signal.
On the connector, the female terminal that connects to the RED/LT BLU wire is the one that I've labeled with the number 4 in the photo above.
As previously discussed, when the ignition coil pack gets the cylinder 3/4 activation signal, it fires spark to cylinder 3 and 4 simultaneously.
IMPORTANT: Be careful not to damage the female terminal or the connector with your 12V test light's probing tip. If the terminal or the connector get damaged, you'll need to replace the connector.
CAUTION: This test has to be performed with the engine cranking. Be careful and take all necessary safety precautions.
Alright, let's start:
- 1
Disconnect the ignition coil from its 4-wire electrical connector.
- 2
Connect the 12V test light's alligator clip to the battery positive (+) post.
- 3
With the test light's probing tip, gently probe terminal number 4.
Terminal number 4 should connect to the RED/LT BLU wire. - 4
Have your helper crank the engine.
- 5
The 12V test light should flash ON and OFF the whole time the engine is cranking.
Let's find out what your test result means:
CASE 1: The 12V test light flashed ON and OFF the whole time the engine was cranking. With this test result you can conclude that the PCM is providing the cylinder 3/4 activation signal and the circuit is OK.
You can conclude that the ignition coil pack is bad if you have:
- Confirmed that the spark plug wires for cylinders 3 and 4 are not sparking (TEST 1).
- Confirmed that the ignition coil towers for cylinders 3 and 4 are not sparking (TEST 3).
- Confirmed that the ignition coil pack is receiving the cylinder 3/4 activation signal from the fuel injection computer (this test section).
CASE 2: The 12V test light DID NOT flash ON and OFF the whole time the engine was cranking. This test result usually means that there's either an open-circuit in the circuit between the connector and the PCM or the PCM is fried (altho' very rare).
With this result you have eliminated the coil pack itself as the source of the misfire condition or no-spark condition. Your next step is to resolve the issue causing this missing IC activation signal.