Nissan Maxima Service and Repair Manual: Ignition signal

Description

The ignition signal from the ECM is sent to and amplified by the power transistor. The power transistor turns ON and OFF the ignition coil primary circuit. This ON/OFF operation induces the proper high voltage in the coil secondary circuit.

Component Function Check

1.INSPECTION START

Turn ignition switch OFF, and restart engine.

2.CHECK IGNITION SIGNAL FUNCTION

With CONSULT

1. Perform "POWER BALANCE" in "ACTIVE TEST" mode with CONSULT.
2. Check that each circuit produces a momentary engine speed drop.

3.CHECK IGNITION SIGNAL FUNCTION

Without CONSULT

1. Let engine idle.
2. Read the voltage signal between ECM harness connectors.

NOTE: The pulse cycle changes depending on rpm at idle.

Diagnosis Procedure

1.CHECK IGNITION COIL POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT-I

1. Turn ignition switch OFF, wait at least 10 seconds and then turn it ON.
2. Check the voltage between ECM harness connector and ground.

2.CHECK IGNITION COIL POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT-II

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect condenser harness connector.
3. Turn ignition switch ON.
4. Check the voltage between condenser harness connector and ground.

3.CHECK IGNITION COIL POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT-III

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect IPDM E/R harness connector.
3. Check the continuity between IPDM E/R harness connector and condenser harness connector.
4. Also check harness for short to ground and short to power.

4.CHECK CONDENSER GROUND CIRCUIT FOR OPEN AND SHORT

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Check the continuity between condenser harness connector and ground.
3. Also check harness for short to power.

5.CHECK CONDENSER

6.CHECK IGNITION COIL POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT-V

1. Reconnect all harness connectors disconnected.
2. Disconnect ignition coil harness connector.
3. Turn ignition switch ON.
4. Check the voltage between ignition coil harness connector and ground.

7.CHECK IGNITION COIL GROUND CIRCUIT FOR OPEN AND SHORT

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Check the continuity between ignition coil harness connector and ground.
3. Also check harness for short to power.

8.CHECK IGNITION COIL OUTPUT SIGNAL CIRCUIT FOR OPEN AND SHORT

1. Disconnect ECM harness connector.
2. Check the continuity between ignition coil harness connector and ECM harness connector.
3. Also check harness for short to ground and short to power.

9.CHECK IGNITION COIL WITH POWER TRANSISTOR

10.CHECK INTERMITTENT INCIDENT

Component Inspection (Ignition Coil with Power Transistor)

1.CHECK IGNITION COIL WITH POWER TRANSISTOR-I

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect ignition coil harness connector.
3. Check resistance between ignition coil terminals as per the following.

2.CHECK IGNITION COIL WITH POWER TRANSISTOR-II

CAUTION: Perform the following procedure in a place with no combustible objects and good ventilation.

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Reconnect all harness connectors disconnected.
3. Remove fuel pump fuse in IPDM E/R to release fuel pressure. NOTE: Do not use CONSULT to release fuel pressure, or fuel pressure applies again during the following procedure.
4. Start engine.
5. After engine stalls, crank it two or three times to release all fuel pressure.
6. Turn ignition switch OFF.
7. Remove all ignition coil harness connectors to avoid the electrical discharge from the ignition coils.
8. Remove ignition coil and spark plug of the cylinder to be checked. Refer to EM-42, "Removal and Installation (LH)" (LH) or EM-42, "Removal and Installation (RH)" (RH).
9. Crank engine for 5 seconds or more to remove combustion gas in the cylinder.
10. Connect spark plug and harness connector to ignition coil.
11. Fix ignition coil using a rope etc. with gap of 13 - 17 mm (0.52 - 0.66 in) between the edge of the spark plug and grounded metal portion as shown in the figure.
12. Crank engine for about three seconds, and check whether spark is generated between the spark plug and the grounded metal portion.

Spark should be generated.

CAUTION:

•  Never place the spark plug and the ignition coil within 50 cm (19.7 in) each other. Be careful not to get an electrical shock while checking, because the electrical discharge voltage becomes 20 kV or more.
•  It might damage the ignition coil if the gap of more than 17 mm (0.66 in) is made.

NOTE: When the gap is less than 13 mm (0.52 in), a spark might be generated even if the coil is malfunctioning.

Component Inspection (Condenser)

1.CHECK CONDENSER

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect condenser harness connector.
3. Check resistance between condenser terminals as per the following.