Electronic Ignition System Diagnosis
Diagnostic Instructions
Circuit/System Description
Ignition voltage is supplied to the ignition coil. The engine control module (ECM) provides an ground for the ignition coil control circuits. When the ECM removes the ground path of the ignition primary coil, the magnetic field produced by the coil collapses. The collapsing magnetic field produces a voltage in the secondary coil which ignites the spark plugs. The sequencing and timing are controlled by the ECM. The ignition coil consist of the following circuits:
• | An ignition voltage circuit |
• | The ignition coil 1 and 4 control |
• | The ignition coil 2 and 3 control |
Diagnostic Aids
The mounting bracket for the coil assembly provides the ground for the ignition coils. Ensure the mounting bolts are torqued to the correct specification.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Engine Controls Schematics
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views
Description and Operation
Electronic Ignition System Description
Electrical Information Reference
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
Note: Verify that the engine is in good mechanical condition before continuing with this diagnostic.
Review the ignition system specifications and the spark plug inspection procedure to verify the following:
• | The T8 Ignition Coil is correctly installed. |
• | The proper firing order |
• | Spark plug wires are in good condition. |
If the engine will start, then observe the scan tool Misfire Current Cylinder parameters. This will indicate the affected ignition coil/modules.
Circuit/System Testing
Note: Do not perform this diagnostic procedure if you were not sent here from a misfire DTC or the Engine Cranks but Does Not Run diagnostic.
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the T8 Ignition Coil.
- Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the ignition voltage circuit terminal B and ground.
⇒ | If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition voltage circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the ignition voltage circuit fuse F11 is open, test all components connected to the ignition voltage circuit and replace as necessary. |
- Ignition OFF, test for less than 2 Ω of resistance between the ignition voltage circuit terminal B and the fuse F11.
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, repair the ignition voltage circuit for high resistance. |
- If all circuits test normal, test or replace the T8 Ignition Coil.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
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