Engine wont run?

1990 TOYOTA COROLLA
191,876 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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CIVICEATIN6SPD
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ok here goes ill try to be as detailed as possible.
i have a 1990 toyota corolla gts. It has the 4age fuel injeted motor. The car sat for 4 yrs before i bought it.
when i bought it the engine wouldnt crank nothing would work. after finding out there was no spark i put in an msd ignition and coil. now i have hot spark. Next i checked the Air flow meter, which turned out to be no good either. I have replaced this and it is working, even now that i had air and spark still the car would not run. next i checked the fuel pressure, it wasnt great so i replaced the fuel lines, pump, filter fuel pressure regulator, cold start injector, all fuel injectors and fuel rail. Next just to be on the safe side i replaced all vacuum lines. with that being said i go to start the car she cranks and wont turn over. the weird part is if i spray starting fluid i can get the car running and if i continue spraying it continues running, but inside the car my battery light, ck engine light pretty much everything that goes on when the car is in the on position but isnt running. also the tach isnt showing any movement. its like the car wants to run but the pictures not comin across to the inside of the car. ive been over almost everything in this car mechanically and i think ive come to the point where throwing new parts and guessing wont help. I need a fresh perspective someone PLEASE Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Feb 28, 2008 at 1:26 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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Use a "noid" light on the injector connectors to make sure the injectors are firing, if not it could be a fuse or relay. If the noid shows the injectors are firing, you have spark and suffecient fuel pressure, the car should start, unless the timing is way off. You can also have someone crank the engine and feel the injectors, should be a rapid click.

When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.

I would also pull the timing belt cover and see if the timing belt has broken teeth, that would affect timing.
Feb 29, 2008 at 7:30 AM
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JINDRA
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my toyota over heated so i had to replace a bypass hose. to do this i had to pull the intake off to get at. since i did this i checked the water pump then put back together. then i had no spark when starting. i replaced the igniter and that solved my spark problem but she won't start. any ideas.
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Do you hear the fuel pump come On? If so check the fuel pressure if its within specs
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
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MMPRINCE4000
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Short +b and Fp on diagnostic link to power fuel pump.
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
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AIRBREATHER
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Hi, I bought old Toyota corolla 1990 with 166k miles, auto trans.. The car seems fine but it has problem starting. When I put the key in and rotate it once only the oil dashboard light turns on, the rest of them dont.When I try to start the engine it spins but it doesnt start. It was running a week ago (on 3 cylinders, but thats ok). I am thinking it is either a fuse, a distributor, and.or computer problem. any ideas? Ahh and also , Where is the computer of the damn thing located? I may be blind but couldnt see it.
Thanks for any help in advance.
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:49 AM (Merged)
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WRENCHTECH
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All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:49 AM (Merged)
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MF2
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i own a 1990 Toyota Corolla GTS Twin Cam 16.
engine rotates but does not start. .
there is not enough voltage to the distributor cap, only 11 to 12 volts.

it produces no spark when trying to start.

error code 14 is equivalent to: No IGF signal to the ECU 4 times in succession.''
trouble aera: Igniter Circuit , igniter, or ECU.

I changed the spark plugs and spark plug wires and the distributor cap wire. .
I changed the Igniter module.
I check the timing belt.

I checked the timing between the crankshaft pulley notch and the piston TDC # 1 and
position of the distributor cap and rotor.

I checked the fuel pump.

the problem is still the same, it rotates but does not start.

where should I look!;
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:49 AM (Merged)
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DRCRANKNWRENCH
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I think you may have an issue with the crankshaft position sensor or the camshaft position sensor. You might try to get a scan from a repair shop that has a real top of the line scanner as some will give more detail than others and shops usually either do it for free or a nominal fee.
I am going to give you a diagnostic walk through for your situation. It will cover the position snesors anda few other things. You have already started the process of elimination and this diagnostic will help you to finish that. If it is not solved by doing so, I would put my best guess on the ECU having failed. It is unusual that it is getting juice there but not enough. It makes me think the coils could have something to do with it.

However, use the link below and consider a re-scan to get started and we can go from there.

When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:49 AM (Merged)
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CADIEMAN
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does it try to start with either????????
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:49 AM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Did you checked the coil's primary and secondary winding resistances

Check and test the distributor pick-coil resistances-further if the computer don't see the Ne and G input signals it will not give the ignitor the Igt signal to tell the ignitor to fire the coil therefore no Igf signal will be sent telling the computer that combustion has occurred
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:49 AM (Merged)
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PROSTREETMONTESS
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i have a 90 corolla that i have driven every where until lately. during the winter the car became harder to start. the code to replace the air temp sensor came up so i replaced that. still no car running. it will turn over and crank but will not start. it will be on the verge of firing but will only run for a second or so. i just replaced the water pump and the alternater.
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:50 AM (Merged)
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MMPRINCE4000
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Check fuel pressure and spark. Also check the timing belt (how long has it been since it was changed?).

Fuel pressure check requires a special adapter that screws into the cold start valve port in the rail.

It may also be the ignition module is bad in the distributor.
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:50 AM (Merged)
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MIKEPIERSON
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1990 Toyota corolla cranks but wont start when engine is warm. starts when engine is cool.
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:51 AM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Next time it refuses to start don't wait for it to make up its mind-Hot or Cold -Do below immediately to determine if its fuel or spark problem

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if okay-check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,cap and rotor,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it and keep testing
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:51 AM (Merged)
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MIKEPIERSON
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Its getting spark. No fuel!
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:51 AM (Merged)
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MIKEPIERSON
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Its getting spark. No fuel.
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:51 AM (Merged)
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DANLESABRE
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How did you determine there is no fuel? Are fuses good?
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:51 AM (Merged)
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GASPER
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Dear Sir,
i own a 1990 toyota corolla 4 door with 102,000 miles and recently i started having this problem.
car cranks but would not start, so i viewed this youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=064Ilsz8Fzg
and the mechanic changed the distrib. cap system and spark plugs.
and the car ran fine for 2 days and again the same problem so showed another mechanic he could not figure out the problem.
then another mechanic saw it he too could not see the problem.
Now i told the orginal mechanic and he changed the Distributor cap system to a new one saying the old one was faulty,
but again the same problem cranks but wont start so he said he may have to tow it to the shop from my workplace.
And then after a day i tried it started but i did not want to take a chance i just drove it to the mechanic shop and asked hime to take a good
look at what the problem is.... beacuse it keeps on happening randomly, (the mechanic now says it could the the ignation)i have no idea whats going on.
Because when he did the spark tests the sparks were not coming.
so now the car starts sometimes whenever it feels like. but when it starts he runs ok but after shutting the engine i really dont know whether it will start or not.
AM TIRED AND SCARED TO TAKE THE CAR FOR A DRIVE AND SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN.

PLEASE HELP WITH YOUR PRO ADVICE.

what could be the real problem area.

thank you in anticipation of your answer to the problem.

best wishes
gasper

Aug 10, 2020 at 11:51 AM (Merged)
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DAN_K
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The only way to accurately diagnose this problem is to leave it with the mechanic so he can troubleshoot it when it is not starting. He needs to be able to duplicate the "no-start" condition. A reputable and knowledgeable mechanic will test each component of the ignition system and replace the faulty one. Without more information, I'm sorry to say that I cannot provide further advice. It could be the pick-up coil/sensor in the distributor, it could be the ignition module itself, or number of other things. Find a reputable, preferrably ASE Certified mechanic, to inspect it.
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:51 AM (Merged)
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BOLTSY
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when it is a hot day and i run the car and then stop it will not start again straight away.i lift the bonnet for about 10 minutes and this seems to cool it down enough to start it up.can up help ???
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:51 AM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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You need to find out if it is ignition sparks or fuel that is missing. Our DIY section has information on how to go about performing tests.

Do you have engine overheating or coolant losses issues?
Is the MIL indicating?


Aug 10, 2020 at 11:51 AM (Merged)
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RTLAWSON
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1990 Toyota Corolla won't start.

Replaced Plugs, Plug Wires, Distributor Cap, Rotor, Ignition Coil, Fuel Pump, EFI Fuse(blown)

Before replacing fuel pump, the Check Engine light would come on when starting car, but go out as soon as EFI Fuse blew.

After replacing fuel pump, Check Engine light not coming on. EFI fuse good.

After replacing fuel pump, using starter fluid, the car started and ran for about 2 mins. It shut off and I have not been able to restart.

I have pressure at the fuel rail. I don't have any way to test the pressure, but it sprays out when I loosen the connection on the end of it.

Also note that this vehicle was sitting for about 18 months. I pumped out as much old gas as I could and replaced with fresh gas.

Any thoughts, hopes or prays?
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:52 AM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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It sounds like the ignition coil is shorted, have you checked it?
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:52 AM (Merged)
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RTLAWSON
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Nice work, the coil was red hot when I checked it, I replace it and now the car works great, thanks 2carpros.com



Aug 10, 2020 at 11:52 AM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Thanks!
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:52 AM (Merged)
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my car will spin but will not start. it would hit but now it will not do that. could it be my fuel pump? if you think so how do i check it?
Aug 10, 2020 at 6:24 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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When engine cranks and does not start up, you need to find out what is missing first.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Check out the above link to find out what is missing and proceed from there. Link below provides more information on almost all system checks.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles
Aug 10, 2020 at 6:24 PM (Merged)
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GODSGIRLCATHY
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My car wont turn over when I start it it just reves,my friend said the gas is not passing through, how can I tell if it just needs a fuel filter or a whole new pump? how can I test it to see if its the fuel pump?
Aug 10, 2020 at 6:24 PM (Merged)
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MMPRINCE4000
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If this carb or FI?
Aug 10, 2020 at 6:24 PM (Merged)