I have a '93 Tercel with ~198,000 KM. It burns a little oil (valve guides worn) but overall runs quite well....unless it is humid or wet out.
In the morning, if it is humid or raining (just a drizzle will do it), the car just won't start. It turns over fine and has lots of juice, but it's clear none of the cylinders are getting spark. It will eventually flood and I have to leave it for a couple hours while the humidity/dampness in the air disappears.
I live in Calgary, AB, and it starts fine even in -25c weather (low/zero humidity). I've checked to see if there is any moisture under the hood when it is raining, but there is no wetness. In fact, I have taken it thru a car wash and driven in the rain and everything is fine. The only problem is when it is humid in the morning.
I was thinking it might be something like an ECU. One question, where is the ECU located on a 93 tercel? Am I right thinking it is just behind the cup holder (below the radio)?
I belive the ECU, is one of these square medium sized boxes, a bit smaller then the RADIO, located BEHIND the GLOVEBOX, glovebox is held by 4 (i thinK) 10Mm bolts and a screw. Im not realy sure, but i think its the largest one there.
Yeah i think that sounds rite GTS knows his stuff! I think ur air to fuel mix is getting miscalculated by the computer, u can also try EBAY for a ECU as a last resort.
I was also thinking...
If u have a CUSTOM AIR intake, if that gets wet I hear they wont let the car run because the air filter gets wet. If u have a standart one, that might happen too. Id check for cracks in there. The filters are mostly paper and stuff so they tend to stop the airflow. Maybe u just have an Dirty filter?
__________________ 1993 Toyota Tercel 3EE - 45,000 Miles - Odometer 280,000
*Leaking gas, Leaking Coolant, Non functoning AC, Sagging DS door. NEW TIRES!
On 95^ it's behind glove box but 91-94 it is under radio. Easiest way to get to it is just reach under side panels and locate 3 screws that hold plastic box under dash with ecu inside. Disconnect the plugs and slide it out. I can have one out of a car with nothing broken in under 5 minutes with hand tools. I have friends that run the salvage yard and they let me have the ecu with no warranty for only $10 and I've been running it a year or two now.
Let me start by thanking you guys. I picked up and installed a used ECU this morning. I'll have to wait for a wet/humid morning to find out if it helped any.
However, I have now noticed (I think) what sounds like a vacuum leak. It may not be anything, but if you could look at the picture and let me know what you think, that would be great.
I'd like to know what the part is that I circled. It sounds like the hose marked with the arrow is leaking. If I squeeze it shut, the engine will start to idle slower.
that is the idle air control valve and right now on my 93 i've got it disabled it wasent doing its job it shouldent really harm the engine if it is leaking but you can replace the hoses
Ok, I replaced the ECU with one from a junk yard. I also replaced the pcv valve and air filter. There's been a couple wet days and it starts fine now. I still need to test on a wet morning, but things look good. Thanks for everyone's help.
Sadly, when I tried to start the tercel this morning (raining, 10c), it wouldn't start. Exact same issues I encountered before I put in the replaced ECU PCV valve and air-cleaner. Any other suggestions?
I think I have it....my cap shouldn't be doing this...
Alright, I brought my tercel into my garage and decided to check the electrical system with my brother.
Tested all cyclinders for spark, and everything looked good. My brother-in-law noticed as he was turning over the engine that there seemed to be an arc over the cap<?>. Here is a link illustrating where the arc was happening:
It was dirty and moist between point 1 and 2. I cleaned it off a little and the car started up. As the car was running, I tried to wipe more of the gunk off. Of course, I got a nasty shock and the car hesitated a little.
Hmm yeah mine is solid, it has to NOT have any cracks or it will cause premature failure
Replace the distributor cap, and put Die Electrical Grease in every connection, to keep moisture out, and give it another try, thats what i would do. Maybe even have Distributor checked, im not sure how they work exept there is a part that rotates, having moisture in there isnt good
__________________ 1993 Toyota Tercel 3EE - 45,000 Miles - Odometer 280,000
*Leaking gas, Leaking Coolant, Non functoning AC, Sagging DS door. NEW TIRES!
Alright, I brought my tercel into my garage and decided to check the electrical system with my brother.
Tested all cyclinders for spark, and everything looked good. My brother-in-law noticed as he was turning over the engine that there seemed to be an arc over the cap<?>. Here is a link illustrating where the arc was happening:
It was dirty and moist between point 1 and 2. I cleaned it off a little and the car started up. As the car was running, I tried to wipe more of the gunk off. Of course, I got a nasty shock and the car hesitated a little.
Clearly, this shouldn't be happening, correct?
Do I need to just replace the cap?
Thanks for all your help!
BCOT.
Sounds like you need to replace the distributor cap and rotor. I'd go ahead and replace the wires too unless you already have. Any damage to the wires, cap or rotor will cause ignition problems that usually get worse with humidity. Make sure and use dielectric grease on all connections to keep water out.
... So, I replaced the cap, rotor, and wires (lightly coated with dielectric grease) and things are working perfectly now. So smooth, more power, and most importantly, starting in wet/humid weather.
So, the costs (CDN $)
- ECU (salvage): $28 - turns out I probably didn't need to buy this after all
- Wires (new): $40
- Cap and Roter: $40
- PCV: $10
Thanks for your help everyone! 199,300km and still going strong.....now to do the timing belt.
BCOT.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Discussion area for Tercel, Paseo, Starlet, and Sera
I think I have it....my cap shouldn't be doing this...
Linear Mode
