How To Test The Igniter (1992-1995 2.2L Toyota Camry)

TEST 5: Testing Camshaft Position Sensor 2

In this test section we're gonna' test camshaft position (CMP) sensor 2 inside the distributor by measuring the A/C voltage it produces as we crank the engine.

If you have an oscilloscope, then in photo 2 of 2 (in the image viewer above), you'll find the waveforms for both CMP sensors. The oscilloscope settings that I used were: Time/DIV 100ms, Volt/DIV: 2 Volts, Attenuation: 1X.

IMPORTANT: This test is done on the distributor's 4 pin connector. You'll need to use test lead with insulated crocodile tips to attach your multimeter to the male spade terminals indicated in the test steps below.

These are the test steps:

  1. 1

    Disconnect your Toyota Camry's distributor 4 pin connector from its 4 wire connector.

    This is the connector that connects to the camshaft position sensors within the distributor.

  2. 2

    Connect one multimeter test lead to terminal #3 of the distributor connector.

  3. 3

    Connect one multimeter test lead to terminal #4 of the distributor connector.

  4. 4

    Place your multimeter in Volts AC mode.

  5. 5

    Have your helper crank your Toyota Camry's engine once you have set up the multimeter test leads.

  6. 6

    Your multimeter should register between 0.2 to 0.4 Volts AC as the engine turns if the camshaft position sensor is functioning.

Let's take a look at what your test results mean:

CASE 1: The CMP sensor produced the indicated AC Voltage. This is the correct and expected test result and tells you that CMP sensor 2 is OK.

You can conclude that the igniter is defective and needs to be replaced if you have:

  • Made sure the ignition coil is not sparking and not getting the IGC signal from the igniter.
  • Made sure the igniter has power (TEST 1).
  • Made sure the igniter has Ground (TEST 2).
  • Made sure the igniter is getting the IGT signal from the fuel injection computer (TEST 3).
  • Made sure the camshaft position sensors are creating their signals (TEST 4 and TEST 5).

CASE 2: The CMP sensor DID NOT produce the indicated AC Voltage. This tells you that the camshaft position sensor is defective.

This lack of CMP 2 signal will keep the PCM from activating the igniter. Replace the distributor (since the CMP sensors are not sold separately).

Where To Buy The Igniter (Ignition Control Module)

Yup, this bad boy is very expensive. Check out the following links and comparison shop:

More 2.2L Toyota Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 2.2L Toyota tutorials in this index: Toyota 2.2L Index Of Articles

Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

Thank You For Your Donation

If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!

If This Info Saved the Day, Buy Me a Beer!