Massive RPM fluctuation then dead? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jbrdbr111 · 10-04-2010, 05:36 AM

Ok, so just been driving my car and all seemed fine, then the idle got really rough, went from say 1k-3k and back and forth like it was struggling to stay on and then cut off.

I got it back started and tried to make it back home, but then the car kept trying to cut off and made some really loud puttering noises and then died again. I had to get a tow and I checked the battery, see no problems there.

Any ideas on what this could be?

It's a 92 Corolla btw.

Flashmn · 10-04-2010, 07:32 AM

I think your ignitor got fried.

jbrdbr111 · 10-04-2010, 02:28 PM

If it's the same part that I'm thinking about, I replaced it back in June of this year with a brand new one, along with new plugs, wires, dist cap/rotor.

Any tests I can do to be 100% sure?

jbrdbr111 · 10-04-2010, 05:31 PM

It's making a popping sound right now..

90 GP · 10-04-2010, 06:20 PM

In addition to checking the ignition (coil,ignitor) check the timing belt to see if it is broken or jumped due to missing ribs.

jbrdbr111 · 10-04-2010, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 90 GP

In addition to checking the ignition (coil,ignitor) check the timing belt to see if it is broken or jumped due to missing ribs.

Where is the timing belt located? All I see atm are the belts for the power steering and /or alternator.

jbrdbr111 · 10-04-2010, 10:39 PM

The cap, rotor, coil and wires are all in great shape. I just went over them really thoroughly. I do however smell burning rubber after it starts to sputter and cut off.

I'm thinking it prob is something with the timing belt. If anyone has any pics of where it's located and any link or info of how to replace/time I would be forever grateful.

***plyr503*** · 10-04-2010, 11:19 PM

It's under that gray plastic cover to the left of your valve cover..........

90 GP · 10-05-2010, 03:57 AM

Here's a link on timing belt replacement.It covers the replacement for 4AGE, 4AF and 4AFE engines.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/rep...00c1528006f043

Flashmn · 10-05-2010, 09:08 AM

If the belt was changed in due time and the tensioner works, they very seldom loose teeth. If the belt is loose then it will quickly lose teeth, but it doesnt take a long time to do it and that would account to installation error. Then if the belt has never been changed, then it can fail due to old age.

Quote:

I replaced it back in June of this year with a brand new one

Well that doesnt really say anything, even brand new parts can fail.

jbrdbr111 · 10-05-2010, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashmn

If the belt was changed in due time and the tensioner works, they very seldom loose teeth. If the belt is loose then it will quickly lose teeth, but it doesnt take a long time to do it and that would account to installation error. Then if the belt has never been changed, then it can fail due to old age.

Well that doesnt really say anything, even brand new parts can fail.

I had it replaced about 4 years ago, and probably put about 20-30k miles max since then too.

eage8 · 10-05-2010, 11:26 AM

with electronics it being new almost makes it more likely in my opinion... it seems like they either last forever or not very long...

jbrdbr111 · 10-05-2010, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eage8

with electronics it being new almost makes it more likely in my opinion... it seems like they either last forever or not very long...

So I should take back my ignition coil and tell them my car is jumping around in rpm's and that it keeps dying to replace it, or should I take the dist cap back too?

90 GP · 10-05-2010, 03:45 PM

Remove the upper timing belt cover to see what belt looks like and to confirm if that's where burning rubber smell is coming from. When timing belt was replaced was tensioner replaced at same time? Maybe the spring on it broke.Inspect coil for any burned wiring and the condition of distrib cap/wires.

Flashmn · 10-05-2010, 04:07 PM

You can take the spring off when the timing belt tensioner is installed, as its tightened down with a bolt. The spring is only there to tension it when you get the belt on.

The coil might be the problem, if its a chinese coil then sure, I had two fail on me, but it might also be the ignitor and that failing can be direct cause of a coil failing...