Corolla Check engine light

[MrGiggles]

Today while driving home from work the SES light came on, but the car still ran and drove find so I took it home without issue. After I got it home I investigated further and it hesitates with quick throttle. If you get on it smooth it doesn't miss, but if you try to rev it quick from idle is misses.

I checked the codes (OBD1) and came up with code 12. One list said this was a knock sensor or RPM signal. The RPM signal makes sense, common problem?

Yesterday I added a little Marvel Mystery Oil to the tank, think that could cause anything?

Thanks

[vanilla]

Here's what '12' code was (new distributor solved it):
94 4AFE check engine code 12

[MrGiggles]

Originally Posted by vanilla

Here's what '12' code was (new distributor solved it):
94 4AFE check engine code 12

Damn, new dist. are high. Maybe I can find a used one from the wreckers or something.

I just got back (went fishing), on the way there the engine was warm and the hesitation (it turns into a miss, car surges randomly) was worse. Still driveable but not running like it should. It sat for about 2 hours and cooled down, and when cold it runs perfect. No hesitation or miss until it warms up. I checked the wires and they looked fine, and the channels in the head were not full of oil. I have not changed the plugs since I got it (I've put 7k miles on it), or the wires. I did look at the plugs and they aren't original, neither are the wires.

Would driving it like this hurt it? Once it gets going on the highway the miss is gone, it only really surfaces when shifting or accelerating. The car hasn't stalled ever.

Is the distributor cap hard to remove? I will try and pull it tomorrow and see if the coil is frayed like yours. Would a wire set possible fix the missing? I can live with the check engine light, but I want it to run good.

[Bitter]

sounds like your pickup coil has a short or open in it that acts up when things get warmed up, things expand when warm.

[MrGiggles]

Originally Posted by Bitter

sounds like your pickup coil has a short or open in it that acts up when things get warmed up, things expand when warm.

Is there any possibility it will completely short and leave me stranded?

[Bitter]

will the sun rise tomorrow?

[MrGiggles]

Originally Posted by Bitter

will the sun rise tomorrow?

That's what I was hoping not to hear.

Anyway, someone on CL is parting out a corolla, so I'm hoping and praying I can get a distributor from him. I will also try and pop the cover off today, I may get lucky with a frayed wire or something.

[MrGiggles]

I took of the dist. cap and just like Vanilla I have a furry coil.

I am working on getting another one, if everything goes well I should have it mid week.

How do I remove the rotor? Also, how do I remove the distributor and how do I mark it's location so I don't mess up the timing.

[Bitter]

you can use a nail to make a mark on the head and on the distributor, then just line the two marks back up.

the rotor I think has a small screw or just pulls off, may have a clip. its been a while.

[MrGiggles]

Originally Posted by Bitter

you can use a nail to make a mark on the head and on the distributor, then just line the two marks back up.

the rotor I think has a small screw or just pulls off, may have a clip. its been a while.

That sounds simple enough. How do you remove it?

The rotor on mine didn't have a screw, and didn't slip off when I pulled on it. I didn't try to pry it much because I didn't want to break it.

[Bitter]

wiggle and pull? your cap and rotor are probably worn and due to be replaced anyways.

[MrGiggles]

Originally Posted by Bitter

wiggle and pull? your cap and rotor are probably worn and due to be replaced anyways.

I meant the distributor, the rotor shouldn't be too difficult.

[Bitter]

oh, you have 2 bolts, 12mm I think. remove both and then just pull it out, remember to replace the O-ring if it does not come with a new one and to oil it before installing.

[MrGiggles]

Originally Posted by Bitter

oh, you have 2 bolts, 12mm I think. remove both and then just pull it out, remember to replace the O-ring if it does not come with a new one and to oil it before installing.

Ok, I have one more question. Bare with me here, I've never had to fool with a distributor.

When I pull the old distributor out, how do I line up the new one? Do I make a mark on the head, and line it up with a corresponding location on the distributors? Or does it even rotate like the old ones, making it impossible to screw up?

[Bitter]

you can scribe an outline along one edge of the old one while its installed or use some spray paint to make an outline. it should leave a mark from where the old one was anyways or you can use a timing light to reset the base timing. that procedure is here if you search.