spark plugs ISUZU TF SERIES 2004 User Guide

6E-58 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION FOR
ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM IGNITION
COILS & CONTROL
A separate coil-at-plug module is located at each spark
plug.
The coil-at-plug module is attached to the engine with
two screws. It is installed directly to the spark plug by an
electrical contact inside a rubber boot.
A three way connector provides 12 volts primary supply
from the ignition coil fuse, a ground switching trigge
r
line from the ECM, and ground.
The ignition control spark timing is the ECM's method o
f
controlling the spark advance and the ignition dwell.
The ignition control spark advance and the ignition dwell
are calculated by the ECM using the following inputs.

Engine speed

Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor

Camshaft position (CMP) sensor

Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor

Throttle position sensor

Park or neutral position switch

Vehicle speed sensor

ECM and ignition system supply voltage

Based on these sensor signal and engine load
information, the ECM sends 5V to each ignition coil
requiring ignition. This signal sets in the powe
r
transistor of the ignition coil to establish a grounding
circuit for the primary coil, applying battery voltage to
the primary coil.
At the ignition timing, the ECM stops sending the 5V
signal voltage. Under this condition the power transistor
of the ignition coil is set off to cut the battery voltage to
the primary coil, thereby causing a magnetic field
generated in the primary coil to collapse.
On this moment a line of magnetic force flows to the
secondary coil, and when this magnetic line crosses the
coil, high voltage induced by the secondary ignition
circuit to flow through the spark plug to the ground.

Ignition Control ECM Output
The ECM provides a zero volt (actually about 100 mV to
200 mV) or a 5-volt output signal to the ignition control
(IC) module. Each spark plug has its own primary and
secondary coil module ("coil-at-plug") located at the
spark plug itself. When the ignition coil receives the
5-volt signal from the ECM, it provides a ground path fo
r
the B+ supply to the primary side of the coil-at -plug
module. This energizes the primary coil and creates a
magnetic field in the coil-at-plug module. When the
ECM shuts off the 5-volt signal to the ignition control
module, the ground path for the primary coil is broken.
The magnetic field collapses and induces a high voltage
secondary impulse which fires the spark plug and
ignites the air/fuel mixture.
The circuit between the ECM and the ignition coil is
monitored for open circuits, shorts to voltage, and
shorts to ground. If the ECM detects one of these
events, it will set one of the following DTCs:

P0351: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #1

P0352: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #2

P0353: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #3

P0354: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #4

P0355: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #5

P0356: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #6

Spark Plug
Although worn or dirty spark plugs may give satisfactory
operation at idling speed, they frequency fail at highe
r
engine speeds. Faulty spark plugs may cause poor fuel
economy, power loss, loss of speed, hard starting and
generally poor engine performance. Follow the
scheduled maintenance service recommendations to
ensure satisfactory spark plug performance. Refer to
Maintenance and Lubrication.
Normal spark plug operation will result in brown to
grayish-tan deposits appearing on the insulator portion
of the spark plug. A small amount of red-brown, yellow,
and white powdery material may also be present on the
insulator tip around the center electrode. These
deposits are normal combustion by-products of fuels
and lubricating oils with additives. Some electrode wea
r
will also occur. Engines which are not running properly
are often referred to as “misfiring." This means the
ignition spark is not igniting the air/fuel mixture at the
proper time.
Spark plugs may also misfire due to fouling, excessive
gap, or a cracked or broken insulator. If misfiring
occurs before the recommended replacement interval,
locate and correct the cause.

3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-59
Carbon fouling of the spark plug is indicated by dry,
black carbon (soot) deposits on the portion of the spark
plug in the cylinder. Excessive idling and slow speeds
under light engine loads can keep the spark plug
temperatures so low that these deposits are not burned
off. Very rich fuel mixtures or poor ignition system
output may also be the cause. Refer to DTC P0172.
Oil fouling of the spark plug is indicated by wet oily
deposits on the portion of the spark plug in the cylinder,
usually with little electrode wear. This may be caused by
oil during break-in of new or newly overhauled engines.
Deposit fouling of the spark plug occurs when the
normal red-brown, yellow or white deposits o
f
combustion by products become sufficient to cause
misfiring. In some cases, these deposits may melt and
form a shiny glaze on the insulator around the cente
r
electrode. If the fouling is found in only one or two
cylinders, valve stem clearances or intake valve seals
may be allowing excess lubricating oil to enter the
cylinder, particularly if the deposits are heavier on the
side of the spark plug facing the intake valve.



TS23995
Excessive gap means that the air space between the
center and the side electrodes at the bottom of the
spark plug is too wide for consistent firing. This may be
due to excessive wear of the electrode during use.
A
check of the gap size and comparison to the gap
specified for the vehicle in Maintenance and Lubrication
will tell if the gap is too wide. A spark plug gap that is
too small may cause an unstable idle condition.
Excessive gap wear can be an indication of continuous
operation at high speeds or with engine loads, causing
the spark to run too hot. Another possible cause is an
excessively lean fuel mixture.



TS23992
Low or high spark plug installation torque or improper
seating can result in the spark plug running too hot and
can cause excessive center electrode wear. The plug
and the cylinder head seats must be in good contact fo
r
proper heat transfer and spark plug cooling. Dirty or
damaged threads in the head or on the spark plug can
keep it from seating even though the proper torque is
applied. Once spark plugs are properly seated, tighten
them to the torque shown in the Specifications Table.
Low torque may result in poor contact of the seats due
to a loose spark plug. Over tightening may cause the
spark plug shell to be stretched and will result in poo
r
contact between the seats. In extreme cases, exhaus
t
blow-by and damage beyond simple gap wear may
occur.
Cracked or broken insulators may be the result o
f
improper installation, damage during spark plug heat
shock to the insulator material. Upper insulators can be
broken when a poorly fitting tool is used during
installation or removal, when the spark plug is hit from
the outside, or is dropped on a hard surface. Cracks in
the upper insulator may be inside the shell and no
t
visible. Also, the breakage may not cause problems
until oil or moisture penetrates the crack later.

6E-60 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS



TS2394
A broken or cracked lower insulator tip (around the
center electrode) may result from “heat shock" (spark
plug suddenly operating too hot).



TS23993

"Heat shock" breakage in the lower insulator tip
generally occurs during several engine operating
conditions (high speeds or heavy loading) and may
be caused by over-advanced timing or low grade
fuels. Heat shock refers to a rapid increase in the
tip temperature that causes the insulator material
to crack.
If there is any doubt about the serviceability of a spark
plug, replace it. Spark plugs with cracked or broken
insulators should always be replaced.

6E-70 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Fuel Quality
Fuel quality is not a new issue for the automotive
industry, but its potential for turning on the MIL (“Check
Engine" lamp) with OBD systems is new.
Fuel additives such as “dry gas" and “octane
enhancers" may affect the performance of the fuel. The
Reed Vapor Pressure of the fuel can also create
problems in the fuel system, especially during the spring
and fall months when severe ambient temperature
swings occur. A high Reed Vapor Pressure could sho
w
up as a Fuel Trim DTC due to excessive canister
loading. High vapor pressures generated in the fuel
tank can also affect the Evaporative Emission
diagnostic as well.
Using fuel with the wrong octane rating for your vehicle
may cause driveability problems. Many of the majo
r
fuel companies advertise that using “premium" gasoline
will improve the performance of your vehicle. Mos
t
premium fuels use alcohol to increase the octane rating
of the fuel. Although alcohol-enhanced fuels may raise
the octane rating, the fuel's ability to turn into vapor in
cold temperatures deteriorates. This may affect the
starting ability and cold driveability of the engine.
Low fuel levels can lead to fuel starvation, lean engine
operation, and eventually engine misfire.
Non-OEM Parts
All of the OBD diagnostics have been calibrated to run
with OEM parts.
Aftermarket electronics, such as cellular phones,
stereos, and anti-theft devices, may radiate EMI into the
control system if they are improperly installed. This may
cause a false sensor reading and turn on the MIL
(“Check Engine" lamp).
Environment
Temporary environmental conditions, such as localized
flooding, will have an effect on the vehicle ignition
system. If the ignition system is rain-soaked, it can
temporarily cause engine misfire and turn on the MIL
(“Check Engine" lamp).
Vehicle Marshaling
The transportation of new vehicles from the assembly
plant to the dealership can involve as many as 60 key
cycles within 5Km miles of driving. This type o
f
operation contributes to the fuel fouling of the spark
plugs and will turn on the MIL (“Check Engine" lamp).

Poor Vehicle Maintenance
The sensitivity of OBD diagnostics will cause the MIL
(“Check Engine" lamp) to turn on if the vehicle is no
t
maintained properly. Restricted air filters, fuel filters,
and crankcase deposits due to lack of oil changes o
r
improper oil viscosity can trigger actual vehicle faults
that were not previously monitored prior to OBD. Poo
r
vehicle maintenance can not be classified as a
“non-vehicle fault", but with the sensitivity of OBD
diagnostics, vehicle maintenance schedules must be
more closely followed.
Severe Vibration
The Misfire diagnostic measures small changes in the
rotational speed of the crankshaft. Severe driveline
vibrations in the vehicle, such as caused by an
excessive amount of mud on the wheels, can have the
same effect on crankshaft speed as misfire.
Related System Faults
Many of the OBD system diagnostics will not run if the
ECM detects a fault on a related system or component.
One example would be that if the ECM detected a
Misfire fault, the diagnostics on the catalytic converte
r
would be suspended until Misfire fault was repaired. If
the Misfire fault was severe enough, the catalytic
converter could be damaged due to overheating and
would never set a Catalyst DTC until the Misfire faul
t
was repaired and the Catalyst diagnostic was allowed to
run to completion. If this happens, the customer may
have to make two trips to the dealership in order to
repair the vehicle.
Maintenance Schedule
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule.
Visual/Physical Engine Compartment
Inspection
Perform a careful visual and physical engine
compartment inspection when performing any
diagnostic procedure or diagnosing the cause of an
emission test failure. This can often lead to repairing a
problem without further steps. Use the following
guidelines when performing a visual/physical inspection:

Inspect all vacuum hoses for punches, cuts,
disconnects, and correct routing.

Inspect hoses that are difficult to see behind othe
r
components.

Inspect all wires in the engine compartment fo
r
proper connections, burned or chafed spots, pinched
wires, contact with sharp edges or contact with ho
t
exhaust manifolds or pipes.

6E-332 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
8
1. Using a Tech 2, display the IAC value.
2. Check for a faulty, plugged, or sticking IAC
operation.
Was the problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 9
9
Check the CKP sensor signal or installation condition.
Refer to DTC P0336 "Crankshaft Position Sensor
Circuit Range/Performance" and DTC P0337
"Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit No Signal".
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 10
10
Check for proper ignition voltage output with the spark
tester.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 11
11
1. Remove the spark plugs and check for gas or oil
fouling cracks, wear, improper gap, burned
electrodes, heavy deposits, or improper heat
range.
2. If spark plugs are fouled, the cause of fouling must
be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 12
12
Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System
Diagnosis.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 13
13
Perform the procedure in Fuel System Pressure Test
to determine if there is a problem with fuel delivery.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 14
14
Visually/physically check the vacuum hose for splits,
kinks and proper connections and routing.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
15
Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction:

Damaged or collapsed pipes.

Internal muffler failure.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 16
16
Check for the following engine mechanical problems
(refer to Engine Mechanical section):

Low compression.

Leaking cylinder head gaskets.

Worn camshaft.

Camshaft drive belt slipped or stripped.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 17

3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-335
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
10
1. Remove the spark plugs and check for gas or oil
fouling cracks, wear, improper gap, burned
electrodes, heavy deposits, or improper heat
range.
2. If spark plugs are fouled, the cause of fouling must
be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 11
11
Check for water or alcohol contaminated fuel.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 12
12
Perform the procedure in Fuel System Pressure Test
to determine if there is a problem with fuel delivery.
Refer to 6E-116 page.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 13
13
1. Check the injector connectors.
2. If any of the connectors are connected at an
improper cylinder, connect as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 14
14
Check for the following engine mechanical problems
(refer to Engine Mechanical section):

Low compression.

Leaking cylinder head gaskets.

Worn camshaft.

Camshaft drive belt slipped or stripped.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
15
1. Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
2. If all procedures have been completed and no
malfunctions have been found, review/inspect the
following:

Visual/physical inspection.

Tech 2 data.

All electrical connections within a suspected circuit
and/or system.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 16
16
Is the ECM programmed with the latest software
release?
If not, download the latest software to the ECM using
the "SPS (Service Programming System)".
Was the problem solved?
- Verify repair Go to Step 17

3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-339
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
12
Check the fuel control Heated Oxygen Sensor
(HO2S). When monitored on the Tech 2, the HO2S
should respond quickly to different throttle positions. If
it doesn't check for silicon or other contaminates from
fuel or use of improper sealant. The sensors may have
a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination sends
a rich exhaust signal which causes the ECM to
command and excessively lean air/fuel mixture.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 13
13
Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System
Diagnosis.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 14
14
Perform the procedure in Fuel System Pressure Test
to determine if there is a problem with fuel delivery.
Refer to 6E-116 page.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
15
Monitor "B1S1 (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Status" and "B2S1
(Bank 2 Sensor 1) Status" on the Tech 2.
Is the "B1S1 (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Status" or "B2S1
(Bank 2 Sensor 1) Status" in the rich condition?
- Go to Step 16 Go to Step 17
16
Check items that can cause the engine to run rich.
Refer to DTC P0172 "O2 Sensor System Too Rich
(Bank 1)" or DTC P0175 "O2 Sensor System Too Rich
(Bank 2)".
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 18
17
Check items that can cause the engine to run lean.
Refer to DTC P0171 "O2 Sensor System Too Lean
(Bank 1)" or DTC P0174 "O2 Sensor System Tool
Lean (Bank 2)".
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 18
18
Check for proper ignition voltage output with the spark
tester.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 19
19
Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 20
20
1. Remove the spark plugs and check for gas or oil
fouling cracks, wear, improper gap, burned
electrodes, heavy deposits, or improper heat range.
2. If spark plugs are fouled, the cause of fouling must
be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 21
21
1. Check the injector connectors.
2. If any of the connectors are connected at an
improper cylinder, connect as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 22

3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-343
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
13
Check items that can cause the engine to run rich.
Refer to DTC P0172 "O2 Sensor System Too Rich
(Bank 1)" or DTC P0175 "O2 Sensor System Too Rich
(Bank 2)".
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
14
Check items that can cause the engine to run lean.
Refer to DTC P0171 "O2 Sensor System Too Lean
(Bank 1)" or DTC P0174 "O2 Sensor System Tool
Lean (Bank 2)".
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
15
Check for proper ignition voltage output with the spark
tester.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 16
16
Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 17
17
1. Remove the spark plugs and check for gas or oil
fouling cracks, wear, improper gap, burned
electrodes, heavy deposits, or improper heat range.
2. If spark plugs are fouled, the cause of fouling must
be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 18
18
1. Check the injector connectors.
2. If any of the connectors are connected at an
improper cylinder, connect as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 19
19
Check the ECM grounds to verify that they are clean
and tight. Refer to the ECM wiring diagrams.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 20
20
Visually/physically check the vacuum hose for splits,
kinks and proper connections and routing.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 21
21
Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction:

Damaged or collapsed pipes.

Internal muffler failure.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 22

3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-347
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
13
Check items that can cause the engine to run rich.
Refer to DTC P0172 "O2 Sensor System Too Rich
(Bank 1)" or DTC P0175 "O2 Sensor System Too Rich
(Bank 2)".
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
14
Check items that can cause the engine to run lean.
Refer to DTC P0171 "O2 Sensor System Too Lean
(Bank 1)" or DTC P0174 "O2 Sensor System Tool
Lean (Bank 2)".
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
15
Check for proper ignition voltage output with the spark
tester.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 16
16
Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 17
17
1. Remove the spark plugs and check for gas or oil
fouling cracks, wear, improper gap, burned
electrodes, heavy deposits, or improper heat
range.
2. If spark plugs are fouled, the cause of fouling must
be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 18
18
1. Check the injector connectors.
2. If any of the connectors are connected at an
improper cylinder, connect as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 19
19
Check the ECM grounds to verify that they are clean
and tight. Refer to the ECM wiring diagrams.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 20
20
Visually/physically check the vacuum hose for splits,
kinks and proper connections and routing.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 21
21
Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction:

Damaged or collapsed pipes.

Internal muffler failure.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 22

6E-350 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
9
1. Using the Tech 2, ignition "On" and engine "Off".
2. Monitor the "Throttle Position" in the data display.
Does the Tech 2 indicate correct "Throttle Position"
from 0% to 100% depending on accelerator pedal
operation?
- Go to Step 11 Go to Step 10
10
1. Using the Tech 2, ignition "On" and engine "Off".
2. Monitor the "Throttle Position" in the data display.
3. Adjust the accelerator cable or TPS within 0% to
100%.
Is the action complete?
- Verify repair -
11
Check for the following conditions.

Objects blocking the throttle valve.

Vacuum leaking at throttle body.
If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was the problem found? - Verify repair Go to Step 12
12
Visually/physically inspect for the following conditions:

Restrict air intake system. Check for a restricted air
filter element, or foreign objects blocking the air
intake system.

Check for objects blocking the IAC passage or
throttle bore, excessive deposits in the throttle bore
and on the throttle plate.

Check for a condition that causes a large vacuum
leak, such as an incorrectly installed or faulty
crankcase ventilation hose/brake booster hose.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 13
13
Perform the Injector Coil/Balance Test.
Refer to 6E-106 page
Was a problem found.
- Verify repair Go to Step 14
14
1. Check for fuel in the pressure regulator vacuum
hose.
2. If fuel is present, replace the fuel pressure regulator
assembly.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
15
Check for proper ignition voltage output with the spark
tester.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 16
16
1. Remove the spark plugs and check for gas or oil
fouling cracks, wear, improper gap, burned
electrodes, heavy deposits, or improper heat
range.
2. If spark plugs are fouled, the cause of fouling must
be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 17