how to check output of coil

[gaas12]

i was wondering how to test the output of my 96 camry coil. i know it's getting 12 volts going in, but i can't get anything coming out. i know i have 12 v going in because i have check it with my meter. thanks for any help.

[88 LE]

Pull the sparkplugs and check for spark while cranking the engine.

Other then that, you can check the coil for resistance.

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d8013e35c.jsp

[gaas12]

are there any way to check the igniter because the coil is not firing. thanks.

[deekay140]

coils don't usually go out all at once. just for the hell of it, chk the fuses by the battery, if one is blown , change it, see if it pops when you turn the key on. if it does , unplug the distributor, change the fuse and try it again.

what I am getting at is.... there is a noise suppressor in the distributor that I have seen to short out before, alot of people end up replacing a $450 distributor, and all the problems is a $5 noise suppressor.

If u have 12 volts going in and nothing coming out, crank the car with the cap off and make sure the rotors is turning. if not, probably a broken t-belt.

Next, make sure none of the wires to the coil inside the distributor got broken. (assuming this is a 4 cylinder)

If there is no spark from the contact on the coil to the rotor when the car is being cranked, replace the coil.

[gaas12]

i have checked the coil going to the cap and it's not firing. the rotory button is turning, and i have bought a new coil and it didn't work either. i also have tried another distibutor and that didn't work either. i have a 96 camry with a 2200 motor. i was wondering if there is a way to check the igniter to see if it might be the problem. i know the fuses are good because i have checked them, also i have checked the voltage going to the coil and it has 12 volts going to it. i have checked all the wires. what else could it be. thanks.

[deekay140]

igniter are very uncommon to go bad, I would chk the cam sensor and crank sensors next. u can resistance ckh them but u really need to just try known good ones to know.. start with camshaft positon sensor.

[gaas12]

where is the crank + cam sensor located. thanks.will a sensor stop a coil from firing. i thought a sensor would make the check engine light come on.

[deekay140]

not necessarily. the crank sensor is by the harmonic pulley... the problem is the only way to test these parts is with an oscilliscope. from what I am reading, it seems the igniter sends the ground signal to the coil. the ecm needs to see ne signal from the crankshaft position sensor before it allows distibutor to fire.

I am toyota master tech of 15 years. I have never seen a bad igniter yet. this is an easy diagnosis with the proper tools. there is a gear behind the timing cover which has teeth and generates a pulse to the crankshaft sensor(which is a magnet). without that signal to the ecm, the ecm doesn't know the car is trying to start. if the gear or sensor is bad , the car wont start. however,u need an oscilliscope to chk for the pulse pattern.

[gaas12]

i had put a timeing belt on about a month ago.the other day i was changing the oil and notice that a wire going down to the crank shaft sensor was cut into by the altonator belt, if the two wires that run to the crank shaft sensor touch togeather would it make the sensor go bad. thanks.

[deekay140]

u got it.

[gaas12]

i just wanted to thank you for all your help. it was the crank shaft sensor. i just have one more question. i have disconnected my battery to reset the computer, but my check engine light still stays on. any ideas why this is. thanks.

[deekay140]

u need to disconnect it for 2 minutes. if it comes back on as soon as u start the car, u have another problem still.

[gaas12]

there's a place on the distributor cap that looks like something goes there. it's a slot with a hole all the way through. does something slide in the hole?

[deekay140]

probably a small rubber hose pointing down. its a vent