95 Camry Ignition Problems

[kewlzman]

I recently replaced the spark plugs and wires on my 95 Camry (4cyl; 145k miles). The engine ran fine for a few weeks until i was driving home one day and the engine started running rough. It became progressively worse until the engine quit.

I lifted the hood and noticed a wire was hanging loosely off of the distributor cap. I removed the distributor cap and also noticed the rotor was cracked.

I replaced the distributor cap and rotor (and securely fastened the wires to the distributor cap) but I have not been able to get the engine to turn over since. It sounds like it should start any minute but no such luck.

I have checked the battery and cables (battery is 1.5 years old)
I visually inspected the ignition coil. Can I test it while it is still installed?

I can really use some advice.

[Mike Gerber]

We need to clarify something here. When you say "turn over", that is normally the sound the engine makes as the battery and starter motor are normally spinning over the engine. That is also referred to as "cranking the engine". Is that what you meant and the engine won't fire and run on it's own, or is the battery and starter simply not cranking the engine or not cranking it fast enough to start? If it is cranking (turning over) normally and still won't start, then you have to determine if you are getting a nice blue spark to the spark plugs. Pull a spark plug and put it back in the spark plug wire. You may also use a spare plug if you have one. Lay the plug on some metal portion of the engine with the spark plug wire connected so the plug is grounded. Have someone crank over the engine while you observe the plug for that blue spark. Keep your hands off any metal portion of the engine while doing this test. If no spark is present or the spark is orange, not blue, your problem is within the ignition system.

Yes you can check the coil without the engine running. You will need a manual and a digital volt/ohmeter. There is a generation 3 Toyota factory service manual stickied at the top of the General Camry Discussion Forum, that is available for free downloading. For the DVM you are on your own. In the manual refer to the section IG for the Ignition System for the coil testing procedure.

Mike

[Stillrunning]

I would look for more mechanical damage inside the dist. cap. It's odd the rotor cracked. It could have hit one of the cap contacts. I would pull the coil dust cover and check for broken or loose wire to distributor (primary/secondary) and condenser wire. You may also want to check air gap. If the rotor hit the sides of the dist. cap your dist. may be bad. Make sure the dist. shaft does not wobble.