how do i check ignitor

[lamchop]

i have the hanes manual for my car, 1990 corolla 4afe but it doesn't say how to check the ignitor or even what it is, really, just that it's there, my ignition coil resistances are within specs, the engine turns over but doesn't catch, and i'm getting fuel. Please help!

[MR2 20V]

Pull one of your spark plugs out (still connected to the lead) and hold the side of the spark plug against an earth part of the head/block, like a lifting hook

You should see a spark when you turn it over, no spark means ignitor,distributor,leads,ecu fault. But its best to start at the spark plug end easier to test

PLEASE NOTE : HOLD ON TO THE RUBBER END OF THE SCREW DRIVER AND ONLY USE IT TO HOLD THE SIDE OF THE SPARK PLUG AGAINST THE EARTH METAL SURFACE, IF YOU HOLD ONTO ANYTHING METAL YOU WILL GET A SHOCK

Cheers
Lee

[lamchop]

haha. i forgot to mention that i had already done that, and gotten no spark. brand new rotor and distributor. how do i check the ignitor? and what is ecu, and how do i check that?

[Flashmn]

theres really no way to just check the ignitor at home.

[lamchop]

so really the only way of doing it is swapping it with a whole nother ignitor from somewhere, and if it works, it works, if not keep trying, is that what you're saying?

so my next question is, how bad is it to tow a car with just chains for say, 3 kilometers? i'm in the worst possible predicament here, i'm moving thursday, and my car won't start. my current roommate is psychotic, and if i don't have the car out of here, she'll phone someone and get it towed off and sold and then spend the money on liquor.

[EverAE]

Originally Posted by MR2 20V

IF YOU HOLD ONTO ANYTHING METAL YOU WILL GET A SHOCK

Originally Posted by lamchop

my current roommate is psychotic, and if i don't have the car out of here, she'll phone someone and get it towed off and sold and then spend the money on liquor.

give her electroshock therapy...

[lamchop]

haha. i would love to. i'd just have get the spark working on my engine first. PLEASE HELP please please please. can someone just mail me a new car?

[darcsyde]

just go to the junkyard grab a few ignitors and try them in the distributor, if one works problem solved, no money spent . If not then it's most likely something else

[lamchop]

sounds like a good plan :P i'll steal my sister's car asap and give it a shot.

[diver9000]

Ugh.... make sure it uses the same ignitor first.

[lamchop]

yeah, i know what the part looks like, and if not i'll jimmy it up :P steal one from a 1968 ford ranchero. i can make it work. i'm macguyver in disguise. without the mullet.

[lamchop]

*bump*

i was off the internet for a while there.

anyways, where is the ECU in the '90 coupe? honestly, everything else seems fine on this car, i was at a junkyard today so i could practice taking apart on someone else's car, and i can't seem to find it.

[Flashmn]

I believe its in the center console.

[ghost_ryder35]

right next to the ash tray