cozmic512

Hi guys, I just wanted to provide an update. I received a used distributor this weekend. I checked and installed it, resistance was low btw dist and block and all other connections checked ok. I connected the computer and turned the key. When I did the Trigger 1 and 2 signals both turned green and it displayed and engine speed as the engine cranked which it hadn't done previously. The engine tried to fire, and rumbled a few times which I hadn't heard with the original distributor installed. I have a new battery and a few other connections and tweeks to make and it should be running in a couple of hours. Thank you Adam and Simon for your help and direction. You were on point with your diagnosis and super fast with responses. I appreciate the help and support greatly! regards, Cory

Thanks Simon! Will do, and I have a known distributor on its way... Cory

Hello guys, It seems a distributor is very difficult to find. I am most likely going to have to send mine to get rebuilt. Before I send it out, I wanted to be clear on the testing procedure that you were talking about since you mentioned the failure of the distributor to be rare. I tested the continuity of the wires in the harness of the car and they are ok. I want to test the ground of the distributor and pickups but I am unsure how to test these and my results are inconclusive. Do you guys have a method for testing these? Thanks again. Trying to work through this issue Cory

Hi Simon, There are 3 pickups in the distributor. One tall and 2 shorter ones on opposite sides from each other. They all appear in good condition. I figure you are right and they all failed, which is why I have no trigger signal and no engine rpm while cranking. I will look for the wires under the plastic protective cap on the distributor and determine and test the ground. I will also check continuity to the ecu, that is the distributor wires to pins 13 and 25 on the ecu. Just as another point of data, I checked continuity for ground in my factory wiring and it checked ok, I will also check the IGT signal and E1 pin to see if I have voltage there, but I believe it will since I have coil and ICM power.\ Thanks Simon! Ill get back as soon as I can test these out.. Cory

Hi Adam, I just wanted to give you an update. I verified that the distributor was spinning. The cap and rotor are new. I pulled the distributor and it appeared in good shape, no rust or metal filings. I did not have a suitable replacement, it was unfortunately damaged. I guess just from being in a storage box. So I have been trying to find specs for the distributor to test it but this has been difficult. Also, finding a new distributor has been difficult. You stated above there is no connection from the distributor to the ecu to let the ICM know to fire the coil. I have been looking at the wiring diagrams, and I cant determine if there should be power going to the distributor. I have checked all of the fuses and have nothing blown. Is there a relay that may be malfunctioning? I believe the distributor triggers the ground to fire the coil and is grounded by the engine obviously. I have checked all of those grounds. I am just trying to verify that the distributor is bad and Im not missing anything with the wiring. I believe for my car that the CAS is a part of the module in the distributor. Is this correct? Update* I was able to verify there is no crank angle sensor, there is a cam angle sensor in the distributor. I suspect this is the cause of the issue as you have stated. Still looking for distributor specs to test my current dist. On the hunt for a distributor, and for ohms checks to verify its condition. Have a great day. Cory

Thank you Adam. I have pulled the distributor and will be replacing and testing it this weekend. I have a couple to choose from. Ill let you know how I make out. Thanks again for the help and direction. Cory

Hi Adam, Ok when I ran the test, the engine speed never changed from 0. Trigger 1 and trigger 2 were no and stayed no. There was nothing at all, no flicker or hint of any, change. They are dead.

Hey Adam, Thanks for the quick response. I will head to the shop and try this after work today and let you know the results. Regards, Cory

Hello all, Not really new here, just not a frequent poster. Im having some trouble getting my car fired. I have no spark from the coil. The car was running, I removed the engine to install a new one. This is a 92 3SGTE in a celica alltrac. I run a plug and play box with the factory wiring. Nothing was really changed from when the first motor was removed. I tested all injectors and ignition and all are working. I have power to the coil and Ignition Control Module (ICM). From what I understand the ICM works off of ground, and the trigger wire has constant power where it should be pulsing. Is there possibly something with the distributor? I have no power at any of the distributor wires. I know the coil and ICM are good, I am leaning toward a ground problem since that is what is not being seen from the ICM to spark the coil. Any insight, ideas and help are greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone Cory