1992 Camry LE stalled on startup, now won't start, no spark (continued) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

LineInTheWater · 10-19-2007, 02:43 PM

Since the other thread was getting long, I thought it would help if sum up my problem and progress troubleshooting.

Camry worked fine Fri. Stalled after 2 secs when next used on Mon. No noises, just stalled like out of fuel (it's not). Fuel system appears ok (fuel pump jumpered works, fuel line feels solid). Pulled plugs, and they were wet with fuel. Replaced plugs and wires because they were worn. Tested for spark on two wires, NO SPARK. Pulled distributor cap. Tried to start engine and rotor spins OK. Rotor button on cap was stuck down. Worked it loose, reinstalled. NO SPARK. Removed cap again, as well as rotor and dust shield. Tested resistance of primary, secondary, and pickup coil; all within spec. Need help troubleshooting ignition circuit. So far only tested ignition power source (pin-3) and it was 12V when key to ON. Any help before I pull dash to ECM would be much appreciated!!

digmycelica · 10-19-2007, 03:37 PM

Try spinning the motor with the dist. cap and rotor off and see if you can get a spark out of the coil .you might have to rig a wire or hold 2 screwdrivers close together to see if the spark is there. Sometimes the rotor can have a burnt place under it that is hard to spot. If you have spark at the coil then replace the rotor. I would lean more toward replacing the distributor more than the ecm.

LineInTheWater · 10-19-2007, 03:41 PM

Tell me if I did this correct ... I attached a wire to the + side of the primary coil, connected that to the head (top) of a spark plug, and grounded the spark plug housing. Used like 14 gauge wire (too thin?) Then tried to start. NO SPARK. Is test correct?

LineInTheWater · 10-19-2007, 05:41 PM

This is a true study in sleep deprivation (3 hrs.) or stupidity. When I tested the primary coil for spark, I forgot to reconnect the distributor connector from the ECM. I realized this after taking off the dash and gaining access to the ECM. And, what do you know, I HAVE SPARK!! And just to make it confirmed, I confirmed spark from the end of the secondary coil. So, it looks like after alot of brain fog, I probably have a problem with the distributor cap/rotor. Hmmm, could it really be that simple? I guess it is time to run to Advance and pick up.

digmycelica · 10-19-2007, 07:08 PM

Could be, Hope you got it fixed.

LineInTheWater · 10-19-2007, 08:37 PM

HOLY CRAP

!!!! It is up and running, with some more horsies to boot!! I bypassed the check for spark on each cable and just threw all the wires on (I had to go back to the store because my first batch of wires were total crap). All or nothing baby!! Cranked it ... the engine ran a little rough (from the gallon of gas in the cylinders) and within 10 seconds it was leaned out and purring. Well, it took me 20 times longer than the average DIY mechanic, but it sure felt damn good. Thanks to everyone who gave me pointers; don't know if I would have had the confidence without this forum!!

digmycelica · 10-19-2007, 08:40 PM

great, probably just the rotor, see if the old one has a burnt spot under it inside the hole where it goes on the shaft.