Fixing Error Code 12

[davearmmn]

My '87 wagon is showing an error code 12 and doesn't have any spark. The starting problem was intermittent at first and was affected by ambient temperature. Any ideas on where to start?

It is an oily 4 cylinder with 203K on it. I would like to sell it but having it run is a big selling point.

[Mike Gerber]

Check the coil inside the distributor. The coil in these 3SFE engines is a common trouble area. They develope a hairline crack and then they short themselves to ground on any bare metal part inside the distributor. You will need a DVM and any manual for the specs to do this.

Mike

[ShawnM]

Code 12 or 13 means its not seeing an RPM signal from the engine. I would guess its a bad ignitor or a bad pickup coil in the distributor. More likely its the pickup coil.

[EBR]

Also sometimes the capacitor will melt down and short to ground causing this problem. It is either mounted on the body of the distributor or inside it. If you see it and the green center looks melted like a glob of plastic replace it first. It is about $12.00 CDN from the dealer. If it is inside the dist you wil have to remove the coil to gain access. I have seen this on many 4cyl Camrys that come through the dealership I work at. Good luck...cheers