Warning! Your vehicle is equipped with a high-energy microprocessor-controlled ignition system (HEISS). The high-voltage wires carry voltages of approximately 40,000 V, and although the low current is not life-threatening, a possible electric shock when testing the ignition system can have serious consequences. Therefore, if you handle a high-voltage wire with the ignition on, use a thick rubber glove or, at a pinch, pliers with insulated handles.
You will need: flat- and Phillips-head screwdrivers, pliers with insulated handles and a tester.
Helpful Hint: Before checking the ignition system, place the gearshift lever in neutral and leave the parking brake on.
1. With the ignition off, check the integrity and fit of the high-voltage wires in the ignition module.
2. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the ignition module low voltage circuit connector,
3. Using a tester switched on in the low current measurement mode, check the low-voltage circuit of the module for an open circuit by connecting the tester probes to contacts "C" and "B" of the socket.
4. If the low-voltage circuit of the ignition module is OK, check the high-voltage circuit of the module and high-voltage wires for spark at the spark plugs to check for proper operation. Remove the high-voltage wire from any spark plug. Insert a spare spark plug into the tip of the wire and press the metal part of it to the vehicle ground. Turn the engine crankshaft with the starter.
5. If there is no spark, replace the high-voltage wires with new ones. You can first try to install not new, but tested ones, from a "working" car.
6. If after replacing the wires the spark does not appear, replace the ignition module (see "Removal and installation the ignition module").
7. If there is a spark, but the engine will not start, replace the spark plugs with new ones. You can first try to install not new, but tested ones, from a "working" car.
8. If the engine still does not start, check the engine management system (see below subsection "Fuel injection system faults").