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need advice - 97 corolla won't start

I'm having issues with a 97 corolla w/128,000 miles. My wife drove it to work yesterday morning without any issues. When she tried to leave that afternoon, the engine would fire up and run very roughly for 2-3 seconds and die. I went over and after several tries I was able to get it to run for several seconds but it ran very roughly and only if I kept tapping the gas pedal. Before I called the mechanic I tried starting it one more time and again was able to keep it running for a minute or so and then it cleared up and started running fine. I assumed the issue was the trash in the fuel line, a clogged fuel filter or a dying fuel pump. We drove it home and out again last night with no issues.

This morning it wouldn't crank at all. The engine just turns over but it won't fire. I bought a fuel filter and replaced it and while I had it off, I tried cranking the engine to see if the fuel pump was pumping fuel. Sure enough, gas was being pumped to the filter so I don't believe the issue is with the fuel system (let me know if there's something else in the fuel system that could be causing the problem)

So, my next guess is the electrical system. I'm going to get new plugs, wires, cap, and rotor tomorrow to see if that helps.

Is there anything else that could be prohibiting the spark? I know it has a coil - do these generally go bad?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Reply to
bdtester
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Start with the basics. Look for a check engine light. An engine needs air, fuel, a source of ignition, all at the appropriate times to run. Pull one spark plug, rest it against the block, and look for a spark while it is cranking. If it has been more than 60,000 miles since they were replaced, it is probably time to replace them. If you get plugs, wires, cap, and rotor, get OEM, not aftermarket parts.

Check the air filter to make sure it is not clogged. Check the black plastic intake snorkel between the air filter housing and throttle body for cracks, gaps at the connections, holes, etc. and repair with duct tape if necessary.

Check the idle air control valve to make sure it moves freely and clean with carburetor cleaner if it is sticking.

Reply to
Ray O

Thanks for the response. Here's the latest....

I tuned it up replacing cap, rotor, and plugs but it still won't crank. After replacing all these parts I pulled the plugs and tested for spark as suggested and there was no spark. A friend of mine let me "borrow" an ignitor/ignition module (the one that mounts on the firewall near the air filter). After replacing it I still have no spark.

Are their any other ideas or suggestions? Is there anything inside the distributor that could have failed - or the distributor itself?

Thanks again.

Reply to
bdtester

When you say that the engine "still won't crank," do you mean that the engine will not turn over when you turn the ignition key to the start position or do you mean that the engine will turn over but not start? If the engine will not turn over, then the issue is with the starter circuit.

Since you checked for spark, I assume that the engine cranks but will not start, because the engine has to be cranking or running to check spark at the spark plugs.

By any chance does the engine turn over more quickly than normal? How many miles has it been since the timing belt was replaced? Remove the distributor cap and note the position of the rotor. While someone cranks the starter, see if the rotor turns. If it does not turn, the timing belt is probably broken and needs replacement. If the rotor does turn, check the ignition coil.

Reply to
Ray O

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