1976 Corolla ignition problem

[funnyguy44444]

Hi,

I have a 1976 Corolla , 2TC engine. I need help troubleshooting a problem where the car won't start. Appears to be a problem with the ignition system. The symptoms are when the key it turned to the "start" position everything seems normal, the engine fires right up, however, as soon as I release the key back to the "on" position, the engine no longer fires and dies immediately. It seems that when the key is in the "on" position the ignition system is no longer providing ignition to the engine. Any ideas?

/RV

[toyomoho]

You are correct in your thinking.

These older cars typically had two ign circuits. One routed DC power through a resistor during normal operation; the other bypassed the resistor during engine cranking. Removing the resistor during cranking provided a greater ign spark.

The starter solenoid usually controls this. Would check the starter solenoid and wiring to it. When the engine is cranking the solenoid switch is applying power to the ign circuit bypassing the resistor. When the key is turned back to ign the solenoid releases and switches power through the resistor. The last part is apparently not happening, as such the engine runs only during cranking.

[funnyguy44444]

Thank you! I figured it out. The resistor is the problem. I removed it and tested the resistance and it read infinite so i jumped it and the car runs perfect. Do you think it could do any harm if i leave it jumped like that temporarily until i can get a new resistor?