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Toyota Corolla 1988-1997 Repair Guide

SPARK TEST
SIGNAL GENERATOR AIR GAP INSPECTION

Diagnosis and Testing Repair Guide

If ignition problems or a no start condition are encountered, first perform an "On Vehicle Inspection Spark Test''. Check that spark occurs, if no spark occurs, follow the Print
correct diagnostic flow chart (engine and year) and necessary service procedures.

SPARK TEST

4A-F, 4A-FE and 7A-FE Engines

See Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4

1. Tag and disconnect the spark plug wires from the spark plugs.
2. Remove the spark plugs and install the spark plug wires to each spark plug.
3. Ground (do not hold spark plug) the spark plug; check if spark occurs while engine is being cranked.

Crank the engine for no more than 2 seconds at a time to prevent flooding the engine with gasoline.

4. If good spark does not occur, follow the correct diagnostic flow chart (engine and year) and necessary service procedures.

Fig. Fig. 1: System test-1988-89 4A-F engine

 Fig. Fig. 2: System test-1990-92 4A-FE engine

Fig. Fig. 3: System test-1993-95 4A-FE and 7A-FE engines

Fig. Fig. 4: System test-1996-97 4A-FE and 7A-FE engines

4A-GE Engines
See Figures 5 and 6
1
1. On 4A-GE engine disconnect the coil wire from distributor. Hold the coil wire end about / 2 inch from a good body ground; check if spark occurs while engine is being cranked.

Crank the engine for no more than 2 seconds at a time to prevent flooding the engine with gasoline.

2. If good spark does not occur, follow the correct diagnostic flow chart (engine and year) and necessary service procedures.
 Fig. Fig. 5: System test-1988-89 4A-GE engine

Fig. Fig. 6: System test-1990-91 4A-GE engine

SIGNAL GENERATOR (PICK-UP) RESISTANCE TEST

4A-F Engines
See Figure 7

1. Using a suitable ohmmeter, check the resistance of the signal generator.

2. Pick up coil resistance should be 140-180 ohms.

Fig. Fig. 7: Check the pick-up coil resistance at these terminals-4A-E engine

3. If the resistance is not correct, replace the pick-up coil.

4A-FE and 7A-FE Engines

1988-92 MODELS
See Figure 8

1. Using a suitable ohmmeter, check the resistance between terminals G1 and G- and NE and G- of the signal generator.

Fig. Fig. 8: Check the pick-up coil resistance at these terminals-1988-92 4A-FE engine

2. The signal generator (pick-up coil) resistance cold should be 205-255 ohms.
3. If the resistance is not correct, replace the distributor housing.

1993-95 MODELS
See Figure 9

1. Using a suitable ohmmeter, check the resistance between terminals G+ and G- and NE+ and NE- of the signal generator.
 Fig. Fig. 9: Check the pick-up coil resistance at these terminals-1993-95 4A-FE and 7A-FE engines

2. The signal generator (pick-up coil) resistance cold should be 185-275 ohms on G+ and G-; and 370-550 ohms cold on NE+ and NE-. Check the chart for reference.
3. If the resistance is not correct, replace the distributor housing.

1996-97 MODELS
See Figure 10

1. Using a suitable ohmmeter, check the resistance between terminals G+ and G- and NE+ and NE- of the signal generator.

Fig. Fig. 10: Check the pick-up coil resistance at these terminals-1996-97 4A-FE and 7A-FE engines

2. The signal generator (pick-up coil) resistance cold should be 185-275 ohms on G+ and G-; and 1630-2740 ohms cold on NE+ and NE-. Check the chart for reference.
3. If the resistance is not correct, replace the distributor housing.

4A-GE Engine
See Figure 11

1. Using a suitable ohmmeter, check the resistance of the two signal generators between terminals G+ and G- and NE+ and NE- of the signal generator.

Fig. Fig. 11: Check the pick-up coil resistance at these terminals-4A-GE engine

2. The signal generators resistance should be 1988-89; 140-180 ohms. and on 1991 models; 205-255 ohms.
3. If the resistance is not correct, replace the distributor housing.

SIGNAL GENERATOR AIR GAP INSPECTION

See Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15

1. Remove the distributor cap.

2. Measure the gap between the signal rotor and the pick-up coil projection, by using a non-ferrous feeler gauge (use paper, brass or plastic gauge).
 Fig. Fig. 12: Inspection of the air gap-4A-F engine

Fig. Fig. 13: Inspection of the air gap-4A-GE engine

Fig. Fig. 14: Inspection of the air gap-1988-92 4A-FE and 7A-FE engines

Fig. Fig. 15: Inspection of the air gap-1993-97 4A-FE and 7A-FE engines

3. The air gap should be 0.008-0.0016 in. (0.2-0.4mm).

4. If the air gap is not correct, replace the distributor housing.

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