Smashed engine connectors and damaged wiring harnesses are nothing new for engine swappers. Considering the long lengths these motors sit overseas or at docks being transported back and forth, it’s no surprise. One of the most common damaged harness parts in any 2JZGTE JDM imported motorset is the ignition subharness.
This harness connects to the cam angle sensors as well as the ignition coil and Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor and more. More often than not however because of the 2JZGTE spark plug cover, the ignition coil connectors are most often damaged.
You will need to repair your 2JZGTE engine swap harness before installlation on your motor and then into your vehicle. To remedy the problem of broken ignition coil connectors, we’ll be purchasing a set of 1JZ/2JZ replacement connectors.
Most replacement ignition coil connector kits will include everything you need as long as you know how to repair 2JZ ignition coil connectors. The two pin weatherproof connector is a snap in locking style, requiring you to push down the locking ring after you de-pin the factory units.
Note the orientation of the ignition coil connectors, by way of the isolator boots on the coil wires themselves. The red isolator boot is wired for ground and is usually PIN 1 on your 2JZGTE ignition coil connector.
Pull up the locking ring of your existing 2JZ ignition coil connector and insert a needle to depress the front half of the metal clips. You are aiming for this locking flap portion of the wiring clip with your needle, as illustrated below. Pushing through will allow you to release on the plastic tab that holds the wire in place.
Have you seen our 2JZGTE wiring guide for the S13 as well as the S14?
Depin one wire at a time, replacing the wire and pin with the appropriate new isolator and new metal pin.
Insert the new isolator boot and wire with proper metal clip termination into your new 2JZ ignition coil connector. Make sure the metal pin slides and ‘clicks’ into place to prevent any funny business.
Make sure to replace all damaged or worn pin clips with the new units provided with your replacement coil connector kit. Crimp down and make the wire lengths long enough to travel the distance of the ignition clip.
Crimp down firmly to terminate your ignition coil wire. Insert into your new ignition coil connector while retaining the stock wire location. Don’t forget to push into the clip until you hear the familiar ‘click’ to confirm you’ve done the job right. You are almost done with our how to repair 2JZ ignition coil connectors article.
With both pins fully seated and inserted into your new 2JZGTE ignition coil connector, you can now lock the unit together. Firmly depress on the white clip shown above to ‘lock’ the pins in place, making your harness install a breeze.
Once you have properly locked down your ignition coil connector, you can make your way to the other connectors on your 2JZGTE engine swap harness.
This is also a good time to repair or convert your ignitor on your 2JZGTE engine swap. If you have any damaged or suspicious looking coils, you might want to look at upgrades or aftermarket replacements.
Don’t forget to check out our other 2JZGTE articles and How-To’s. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments below!