Does anyone know how to test the igniter?

[temp]

My aunts car, an '88 Corolla all-trac w/4A-FE, is on the fritz with no spark. Voltage is present at the coil, and at at least one terminal of the igniter.
I have not checked for crank signal ( test light pulsing at coil test ) YET, but rotating the dist. causes the fuel pump to prime, so i don't think this is the issue. And yes, the DIST turns, so the belt is not broken.

I have tested the coil-Secondary resistance is within spec, but primary ( between + and - terminals ) is zero with my DMM. BUT...my DMM is a cheapie, and subsequent testing of an external coil on a TOY pick-up also showed 0 ohms, so i am hesitant to condemn the coil at this time. I may try manually triggering the coil with a ground and condenser jumper tomorrow to check and be sure.

I have the Haynes service manual, but as is common with these almost worthless things, it doen't have test procedures for the igniter module. DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO TEST THESE? I've been searching the site for an hour, but have found nothing.

Thanks for any help!

PS. I have learned more on this board ( and it's links ) about Toyota's in the last few hours than 10 Haynes service manuals would provide. BE PROUD, YOU HAVE A GREAT SITE HERE!

[alltrac165]

If I remember correctly, the ignitor can't be tested. You have to try a known working unit to see if the engine fires. The ignitor failed on my wifes 4Runner and that's what I had to do. I was able to test the coil primary and secondary, and the pick up coil resistance in the dist. and found them to be ok, so I tried replacing the ignitor and that was the problem. I borrowed one from a friend for testing, and then bought a new one at a local auto parts store after I determined that was the problem.

[Piddy]

^ Agreed. I think you can test the coil... but not the ignitor.

[temp]

Ok...i checked for switching at the "-" side of the coil, and the test light flashes, so...
My thinking is that the igniter controls this, so if the igniter were bad, this wouldn't be going on, would it?

I also rechecked the resistance in the coil after i realized that my cheap DMM was marked poorly as far as it's ranges go. Again, the secondaries were in spec, but the primary side was just a bit high according to the spec in my Haynes manual ( which i by no means trust as gospel ).

With what's going on with the test light flashing and the resistance, i am turning my suspicion toward the coil.

Whatch think, people?

Thanks!

[JIMCH]

I'm no expert, but the flash of a test lamp connected to the coil - terminal sure makes it appear the ignitor is working. Did you connect the test lamp across the coil ( between + and - terminals )?

I've got the same problem with a 89 Camry and I'm down to suspecting the ignitor ( but they are rather pricey and non-returnable ) -- I'd like to try the test lamp test.

Jim H.

[temp]

No, the light was between "-" and ground.

I am attempting to talk to an expert on Toy's about the meaning of the light flashing vs igniter condition.

Look in the "great past discussions" section under "factory service information(gold)". Follow the link, and download #23. It mentions the test ( which i learned in auto shop, but forgot about ).

If i found out anything, i will post it.

Thanks.

[JIMCH]

I'm lost -- don't seem to find a way to "great past discussions" under "factory service information(gold)". If you have time I'd like some pointers. Tnx Jim H.

[white90dx]

Originally posted by JIMCH
I'm lost -- don't seem to find a way to "great past discussions" under "factory service information(gold)". If you have time I'd like some pointers. Tnx Jim H.

Let's make it a bit easier then: factory service information (gold)!!

-Charlie