1996 Rav4 Ignition problems

goldenfoot_05 · 12-31-2008, 12:44 AM

Hello Forum!
Im about ready to drive this car off a cliff! Im crossing my fingers that someone on here can help!
Im getting a random misfire code and misfire cyl 1 and misfire cly 3 codes pretty consistantly! I pulled an Ignitor code once. Needless to say its running rough!
Here is what has been done.
New plugs, and wires twice, new cap and rotor more than a few times. After I got the Ignitor code I replaced the ignitor with a used one and it seemed to make the car VERY happy, but only lasted about 100 miles and the problem came back. Replaced the ignitor twice more with no difference.
I cant remember what cly # is what but if I pull the plug wire on the cly on the far right passenger side of car the engine doesnt seem to run any different, but I can hear the spark snapping. So i pulled the plug and it looks just fine! Not soaked in gas or oil, no funny colored deposits. But it has normal deposits on it. Maybe no gas getting to that Cyl? I have a fuel pressure terster but I cant find the fuel rail. I just dont know! Help please!

***new echo owner*** · 12-31-2008, 01:26 AM

What kind of plugs and plug wires did you use to replace the old ones? Have you done a compression test on the engine? How many miles does the car have?

N.E.O.

goldenfoot_05 · 12-31-2008, 01:34 AM

Plugs are NGK. Wires arnt anything special. Least expesive autozone brand. I havent done a compression test yet. but if I had low compression i would get unburned gas on my plugs and I dont! Same with wires Ive been over every single one and even replaced a brand new set.

goldenfoot_05 · 12-31-2008, 01:35 AM

Its on its second motor. First blew a head gasket. I dont know how many miles are on the engine itself!

***new echo owner*** · 12-31-2008, 01:43 AM

You will need adapters to connect the fuel pressure gauge, the fuel rail is right below the intake plenum.

Have you test the Crank position sensor?

N.E.O.

goldenfoot_05 · 12-31-2008, 07:43 PM

I havent tested the crank position sensor. In fact after reading some on similar problems that seems like a plausible fix! I will play with it and get back about the results.
Can anyone rule out a fuel related problem? I cant remember but i think the fuel filter was replaced while the engine was out. But if it were clogged would it give me these codes or starve cyl #1? I reset the computer and it set a p0301 again.
Does the ignitor have anything to do with controlling the injectors?

***new echo owner*** · 01-01-2009, 12:47 AM

If it is the igniter, it would have affect all cylinders, not just one in particular. If the crank position sensor checks good, the #1 injector would be the most likely cause. That is of cause if the engine itself is mechanically sound. Have you done the compression test yet?

Don't think the igniter has anything to do with the injector control, the ECM receive signals from the Crank position sensor and Cam position sensor to determine when to pulse the injectors.

N.E.O.

goldenfoot_05 · 01-10-2009, 04:59 PM

Ok, im trying to replace the Crank Pos. sensor. The bolt holding it on it stripped and I cant for the life of me get the balacer pulley bolt to budge. Im begining to wonder if it is reverse threaded. Does any one know? I need to get it off so I can get a socket on to the bolt before all corners are stripped. help please!

goldenfoot_05 · 01-10-2009, 06:37 PM

never mind on that last post! If it ever helps anyone else it is right hand thread.
The Crank position sensor was not the problem! Next to test injectors.
Just pulled the same three codes. Misfire cyl1,3 and random misfire. Compression is within specs on all 4 cyl.
Whats the best way to test injectors? Just a volt meter?

***new echo owner*** · 01-10-2009, 11:52 PM

You can check the resistances of the injectors, about 13.8 ohm, and also the volume test to see if they are close to each other. This is for a Camry, but it maybe helpful to you, same engine: http://www.camrystuff.com/manuals/Gen3/eg1.pdf, p189.

N.E.O.

goldenfoot_05 · 01-14-2009, 03:53 PM

Ok injectors are good! And a pain to get to! The car is now intermittently running well. It set off cyl #1 again and it died on me while i was backing it out of the driveway which set off a P1300 Igniter circuit fault 1 or something like that! Which ive had before. So I started it back up and it was running aweful, and blowing lots of unburned gas out the pipe. I cleared the code and it started running ok again. Let it idle for a while and it didnt set off any codes. It only seems to have problems under load. It I put it in drive or reverse it seems to automaticaly start missing. What should I do next?

***new echo owner*** · 01-14-2009, 10:45 PM

I would suggest checking the distributor pickup coils resistance to see if they are out of range, both cold and hot. Check the ignition coil too.

N.E.O.

goldenfoot_05 · 01-15-2009, 08:33 PM

I think progress has been made! I drove it to work today, only about 20 miles round trip, it ran GREAT! Didnt set off any codes. Not one hiccup! Ok well it did hiccup but it was my fault for not having the battery terminal clamped tight, wouldnt start after work.

I think that it was the crank position sensor. Im thinking that the ECU was relearning with the new CPS and getting all the unburnt gas out of the cat. If thats not what it was then it just needed the engine and bay pressure washed with a car wash. But then again the problem may return!
Ill keep you posted!
N.E.O., I especially appreciate you help and replies! Thank you!

***new echo owner*** · 01-15-2009, 10:57 PM

Will be here, if it acts up again, but maybe it won't. Either way, keep us posted.

N.E.O.

goldenfoot_05 · 02-01-2009, 10:42 PM

sad news.... it returned. Same old codes. Misfire cyl1 and 3, random misfire. I did have a little fun a lit the unburnt gas coming from the tail pipe!! LOL!! Quite entertaining! Yet didnt fix the problem!
I really dont want to but it looks like i am going to have to really tear things appart now! Im leaning in the direction of loose/bad/corroded electrical connection. Boy am I sick of this car!