Inspection Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Lexus IS 350. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

HINT:

If any DTCs other than misfire DTCs are output, troubleshoot those DTCs first.
Read freeze frame data using Techstream. The ECM records vehicle and driving condition information as freeze frame data the moment a DTC is stored. When troubleshooting, freeze frame data can be helpful in determining whether the vehicle was running or stopped, whether the engine was warmed up or not, whether the air/fuel ratio was lean or rich, as well as other data recorded at the time of a malfunction (See FREEZE FRAME DATA ).
If the misfire does not recur when the vehicle is brought to the workshop, reproduce the conditions stored in the ECM as freeze frame data.
If the misfire still cannot be reproduced even though the conditions stored in the ECM as freeze frame data have been reproduced, one of the following factors is considered to be a possible cause of the problem:
1. There was insufficient fuel in the tank,
2. Improper fuel is used.
3. The spark plugs have been contaminated.
4. The problem requires further diagnosis.
After finishing repairs, check the misfire counts of the cylinders (CYL #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6).
Be sure to confirm that no misfiring cylinder DTCs are set again by conducting the confirmation driving pattern after finishing repairs.
For 6 and 8 cylinder engines, the ECM intentionally does not set the specific misfiring cylinder DTCs at high engine RPM. If misfires occur only in high engine RPM areas, only DTC P0300 is set.
In the event of DTC P0300 being present, perform the following operations:
1. Clear the DTC (See DTC CHECK / CLEAR ).
2. Start the engine and conduct the confirmation driving pattern.
3. Read the misfiring rates of each cylinder or DTC (s) using the tester.
4. Repair the cylinder (s) that has a high misfiring rate or is indicated by the DTC.
5. After finishing repairs, conduct the confirmation driving pattern again, in order to verify that DTC P0300 is not set.
When one of SHORT FT #1, LONG FT #1, SHORT FT #2 or LONG FT #2 in the freeze frame data is outside the range of +-20 %, the air-fuel ratio may be RICH (-20 % or less) or LEAN (+20 % or more).
When the COOLANT TEMP in the freeze frame data is less than 75°C (167°F), the misfire have occurred only while warming up the engine.
An extremely imbalanced drive wheel which causes vibration may cause misfire DTCs to be detected.

CHECK ANY OTHER DTC OUTPUT (IN ADDITION TO MISFIRE DTCS)

Connect Techstream to the DLC3.
Turn the engine switch on (IG).
Turn the tester on.
Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Trouble Codes.

Read DTCs.

Result

RESULT REFERENCE CHART

Display (DTC output)	Proceed to
P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305 and/or P0306	A
P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305 and/or P0306 and other DTCs	B

HINT:

If any DTCs other than P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305 and P0306 are output, troubleshoot those DTCs first.

B: GO TO DTC CHART

A: Go to next step.

READ VALUE OF TECHSTREAM (MISFIRE RPM AND MISFIRE LOAD)
1. Connect Techstream to the DLC3.
2. Turn the engine switch on (IG) and turn the tester on.
3. Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Data List / Misfire / Misfire RPM and Misfire Load.
4. Read and note the Misfire RPM and Misfire Load (engine load) values.
  HINT:
  
  The Misfire RPM and Misfire Load values indicate the vehicle conditions under which the misfire occurred.
CHECK PCV HOSE (HOSE CONNECTIONS)
OK:

PCV hose is connected correctly and is not damaged.

NG: REPAIR OR REPLACE PCV HOSE

OK: Go to next step.

READ VALUE OF TECHSTREAM

Connect Techstream to the DLC3.
Turn the engine switch on (IG) and turn the tester on.
Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine / Data List/ Catalyst OT MF F/C.

Read the value displayed on the tester.

Result

RESULT REFERENCE CHART

Data List	Tester Display	Proceed to
Catalyst OT MF F/C	Avail	A
Catalyst OT MF F/C	Not Avl	B

B: Go to step 6

A: Go to next step.

PERFORM ACTIVE TEST BY TECHSTREAM
1. Connect Techstream to the DLC3.
2. Turn the engine switch on (IG) and turn the tester on.
3. Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine / Active Test / Prohibit the Catalyst OT Misfire prevent F/C.
4. Perform the Active Test.
  NOTE: When performing the Active Test, make sure the vehicle is stopped and either idling or being revved within 3000 rpm.

CHECK MISFIRE COUNT OF PORT INJECTION (CYLINDER #1 MISFIRE COUNT TO #6)

Connect Techstream to the DLC3.
Turn the engine switch on (IG).
Turn the tester on.
Clear DTCs.
Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Active Test / Control the Injection Way / Port. (Procedure "A")
Allow the engine to idle.

Monitor all of the misfire rate values that are displayed on the tester (example: Cylinder #1 Misfire Count). If no misfire counts occur for any of the cylinders, perform the following procedure: (Procedure "B")

Shift the gear selector lever to the D position.
Repeat procedure "A" to "B" above.

Monitor all of the misfire rate values that are displayed on the tester (example: Cylinder #1 Misfire Count).

Result

RESULT REFERENCE CHART

Misfire count	Proceed to
1 or 2 cylinders have misfire counts	A
3 cylinders or more have misfire counts	A
There is no misfire counts	B

B: Go to step 18

A: Go to next step.

CHECK MISFIRE COUNT OF DIRECT INJECTION (CYLINDER #1 MISFIRE COUNT TO #6)

Connect Techstream to the DLC3.
Turn the engine switch on (IG).
Turn the tester ON.
Clear DTCs.
Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Active Test / Control the Injection Way / Direct. (Procedure "A")
Allow the engine to idle.

Shift the gear selector lever to the D position.
Repeat procedure "A" to "B" above.

Monitor all of the misfire rate values that are displayed on the tester (example: Cylinder #1 Misfire Count).

Result

RESULT REFERENCE CHART

Misfire Count		Proceed to
Port	Direct	Proceed to
1 or 2 cylinders have misfire counts	1 or 2 cylinder has misfire counts	A
3 cylinders or more have misfire counts	3 cylinders or more have misfire counts	B
1 or 2 cylinders have misfire counts	There is no misfire counts	C
3 cylinders or more have misfire counts	There is no misfire counts	D

B: Go to step 12

C: REPLACE FUEL INJECTOR FOR PORT INJECTION (MISFIRING CYLINDER)

D: Go to step 16

A: Go to next step.

CHECK SPARK PLUG

Remove the ignition coil and the spark plug of the misfiring cylinder.
Measure the spark plug electrode gap.
Standard:

Between 1.0 mm and 1.4 mm (0.039 in. and 0.055 in.)

Check the electrode for carbon deposits.

Recommended spark plug:

SPARK PLUG SPECIFICATION

Manufacture	Product
DENSO	FK20HBR11

Fig 1: Measuring Spark Plug Electrode Gap

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

NOTE: If the electrode gap is larger than standard, replace the spark plug. Do not adjust the electrode gap.

NG: REPLACE SPARK PLUG

OK: Go to next step.

CHECK FOR SPARK AND IGNITION
1. Disconnect the injector connectors, in order to prevent the engine from starting.
2. Install the spark plug to the ignition coil.
3. Attach the spark plug assembly to the cylinder head cover.
4. Crank the engine for less than 2 seconds and check the spark.
  OK:
  
  Sparks jump across the electrode gap.
5. Reconnect the injector connectors.
NG: Go to step 11

OK: Go to next step.
CHECK CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE (MALFUNCTION CYLINDER)
1. Measure the cylinder compression pressure of the misfiring cylinder.
OK: REPLACE ECM

NG: REPAIR OR REPLACE ENGINE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF LOW COMPRESSION
CHANGE NORMAL SPARK PLUG AND CHECK SPARK OF MISFIRING CYLINDER
1. Change the installed spark plug to a spark plug that functions normally.
2. Perform a spark test.
  CAUTION: Always disconnect each injector connector.
  
  NOTE: Do not crank the engine for more than 2 seconds.
  1. Install the spark plug to the ignition coil and connect the ignition coil connector.
  2. Disconnect the injector connector.
  3. Ground the spark plug.
  4. Check if sparks occur while the engine is being cranked.
    OK:
    
    Sparks jump across the electrode gap.
NG: REPLACE IGNITION COIL ASSEMBLY THEN CONFIRM THAT THERE IS NO MISFIRE

OK: REPLACE SPARK PLUG
CHECK AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM
1. Check the air induction system for vacuum leakage.
  OK:
  
  No leakage from air induction system.
NG: REPAIR OR REPLACE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM

OK: Go to next step.
READ VALUE OF TECHSTREAM (COOLANT TEMP)
1. Connect Techstream to the DLC3.
2. Turn the engine switch on (IG).
3. Turn the tester on.
4. Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Data List / Coolant Temp.
5. Read the Coolant Temp twice, when the engine is both cold and warmed up.
  Standard:
  
  With cold engine:
  
  Same as ambient air temperature.
  
  With warm engine:
  
  Between 75°C and 95°C (167°F and 203°F).
NG: REPLACE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR

OK: Go to next step.
READ VALUE OF TECHSTREAM (MAF)
1. Read the value using the Techstream (MAF).
  NOTE:
  - Turn off the engine.
  - Perform the inspection with the vehicle indoors and on a level surface.
  - Perform the inspection of the MAF meter while it is installed to the air cleaner case (installed to the vehicle).
  - During the test, do not use the exhaust air duct to perform suction on the exhaust pipe.
  1. Turn the engine switch on (ACC).
  2. Turn the engine switch on (IG) (do not run the engine).
  3. Turn the tester ON.
  4. Select the following menu items: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Data List / MAF.
  5. Wait 30 seconds, and read the values on the Techstream.
    Standard condition:
    
    Less than 0.36 g/sec.
NG: REPLACE MASS AIR FLOW METER

OK: Go to next step.
CHECK VALVE TIMING
1. Remove the cylinder head covers.
2. Turn the crankshaft pulley, and align its groove with the timing mark "0" of the timing chain cover.
3. Check that the timing marks of the camshaft timing gears are aligned with the timing marks of the bearing cap as shown in the illustration.
  If not, turn the crankshaft 1 revolution (360°) and align the marks as above.
  
  OK:
  
  Timing marks on camshaft timing gears are aligned as shown in illustration.
4. Reinstall the cylinder head covers.
NG: ADJUST VALVE TIMING

OK: REPLACE ECM
CHECK FUEL PRESSURE (LOW PRESSURE SIDE)
1. Check the fuel pressure (low pressure side) (See ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION ).
OK: REPLACE FUEL INJECTOR FOR PORT INJECTION

NG: Go to next step.
CHECK FUEL PUMP OPERATION
1. Check the fuel pump operation (See ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION ).
OK: CHECK AND REPLACE FUEL SYSTEM (PRESSURE REGULATOR, PIPE LINE AND FILTER)

NG: REPLACE FUEL PUMP

CHECK MISFIRE COUNT OF DIRECT INJECTION (CYL #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 AND #6)

Connect Techstream to the DLC3.
Turn the engine switch on (IG).
Turn the tester ON.
Clear DTCs.
Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Active Test / Control the Injection Way / Direct. (Procedure "A")
Allow the engine to idle.

Monitor all of the misfire rate values that are displayed on the tester (example: CYL #1). If no misfire counts occur for any of the cylinders, perform the following procedure: (Procedure "B")

Shift the gear selector lever to the D position.
Repeat procedure "A" to "B" above.

Monitor all of the misfire rate values that are displayed on the tester (example: CYL #1).

Result

RESULT REFERENCE CHART

Misfire Count		Proceed to
Port	Direct	Proceed to
There is no misfire counts	1 or 2 cylinder has misfire counts	A
There is no misfire counts	3 cylinders or more have misfire counts	B
There is no misfire counts	There is no misfire counts	C

B: Go to step 19

C: Go to step 21

A: REPLACE FUEL INJECTOR FOR DIRECT INJECTION (MISFIRING CYLINDER)

CHECK FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR
1. Connect Techstream to the DLC3.
2. Turn the engine switch on (IG) and turn the tester on.
3. Start the engine.
4. Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Data List / Fuel Press.
5. While revving the engine, check that the fuel pressure fluctuates.
  Standard:
  
  Idling:
  
  3 to 5 MPa
  
  2,500 rpm (No load):
  
  6 to 10 MPa
  
  HINT:
  
  The A/C switch and all accessory switches should be OFF, and the transmission gear selector lever should be in the N or P position, and the engine should be fully warmed up.
NG: REPAIR OR REPLACE FUEL SYSTEM FOR HIGH PRESSURE (REFER TO DTC P0087 OR P0088 )

OK: Go to next step.

PERFORM SYSTEM CHECK (D-4S TEST)

Connect Techstream to the DLC3.
Start the engine and turn Techstream on.
Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Active Test / Control the Injection Way / Port.
Read the value Short FT #1 and Long FT #1 and/or Short FT #2 and Long FT #2.
OK:

Short FT #1 (#2) + Long FT #1 (#2) = Between -19% and +19%
Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Active Test / Control the Injection Way / Direct.
HINT:

The A/C switch and all accessory switches should be OFF, and the transmission gear selector lever should be in the N or P position, and the engine should be fully warmed up.

Read the value Short FT #1, Long FT #1, Short FT #2, Long FT #2 and Fuel Pump Duty (D4).

Result

RESULT REFERENCE CHART

Item			Proceed to
Fuel Pump Duty (D4)	Short FT #1 + Long FT #1	Short FT #2 + Long FT #2	Proceed to
40% or more	-15% or less	-15% or less	A
10% or less	+15% or more	+15% or more	A
40% or more	+15% or more	+15% or more	B
10% or less	-15% or less	-15% or less	C
10% to 40%	-	-	D

B: REPLACE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR

C: REPLACE ECM

D: REPLACE FUEL INJECTOR FOR DIRECT INJECTION (MALFUNCTION CYLINDER INJECTOR)

A: REPLACE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR

CHECK MISFIRE COUNT

Connect Techstream to the DLC3.
Turn the engine switch on (IG).
Turn the tester on.
Clear DTCs.
Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Data List / Misfire RPM, Misfire Load, Cylinder #1 Misfire Count to Cylinder #6 Misfire Count and Injection way.
Drive the vehicle with Misfire RPM and Misfire Load noted in step 2.

Monitor all of the misfire rate values (example: Cylinder #1 Misfire Count) or DTCs and COMBUSTION D4 displayed on the tester.

Result

RESULT REFERENCE CHART

Misfire count	Injection Way	Proceed to
There is no misfire counts	-	A
1 or 2 cylinder has misfire counts	PORT or EITHER	B
3 cylinders or more have misfire counts	PORT or EITHER	C
1 or 2 cylinder has misfire counts	DIRECT	D
3 cylinders or more have misfire counts	DIRECT	E

B: Go to step 8

C: Go to step 12

D: REPLACE FUEL INJECTOR FOR DIRECT INJECTION (MALFUNCTION CYLINDER INJECTOR)

E: Go to step 19

A: CHECK FOR INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS