1994 corolla won't start!

[$Ray$]

Hey guys I own a Tundra but my mother in law's 94 toyota corolla won't start,and it's starting to piss me off,it has the 1.8 DOHC engine,the engine cranks but does not start,it has no spark and is blowing the AM2 30A fuse under the hood,found out the fuse controls all of the ignition,so I checked the distributor and it has like 3 different pieces inside like,coil,igniter,and a condenser,The question is wich one needs to be replaced,a mechanic told me that I was better of replacing the complete distributor,but I don't want to spend 250+ for a rebuilt one before the holidays.She takes my kids to school in that car so I'm trying to help her out.Any help would be appreciated

[strib]

Ray,
Replacing the distributor cap and rotor and the spark plug wires sounds like a pretty good place to start. The distributor cap costs about $30 and I think the spark plug wires cost about the same. I can replace the distributor cap and wires in under an hour. I have no idea what would be causing the 30A fuse to blow...obviously a ground somewhere...possibly a spark plug wire?? If the fuse keeps blowing after you have replaced the distributor cap, spark plug wires and the spark plugs(might as well) you probably should let a mechanic take over...chasing down electrical problems can be a real pain!! Hope this helps.

strib

[OntheRox]

Any chance it ties into the ignition switch

[$Ray$]

Well the spark plugs,cables,rotor and cap were replaced about 2000 miles ago,and I already had the switch checked.I'll keep checking for a ground for now,thanks guys

[strib]

Ray,
Looks like you did everything I can think of. Maybe it is time to consult a repair manual or else make a mechanic earn his money. Wish I could do more to help...sounds like you've got quite a project! Good luck!

strib

[OntheRox]

Have you checked the wires off the battery cable to the alternator and ignition as well?

[DELTA_CHEVY]

I'm new to toyota's but what about timing belt(if they have one)???? I had a volkswagen that cranked but didn't start and it was the timing belt!!!!! just a thought!!

[LifeTech]

Originally Posted by DELTA_CHEVY

I'm new to toyota's but what about timing belt(if they have one)???? I had a volkswagen that cranked but didn't start and it was the timing belt!!!!! just a thought!!

I doubt that it is the T-Belt...because Ray says he has no spark!

I saycheck the IGN switch too. But if it was replaced with a NEW one 2K ago then probably not.

I say it is the pickup coil in the distributer cap. And even aftermarket on this part is way expensive.

That's why it would be pracyical to just get a complete used distributer. Any decent shop would suggest this to save money on this rather old Corolla.

If yu get a Dig. VOM and use the Toy Repair manual yu can diagnose for sure if the Pickup coil or the controller(next to it) is bad.

There are resistance readings to look for and there is a range that it must have in ohms.

Thats how I fixed my 88 1.6 Corolla twice over with the same issue. But the pickup coil was over $200 aftermarket(new). toyota wanted close to $300.

Good luck

LT

[DELTA_CHEVY]

no timing belt, no spark!!(on volkswagen anyways)

[clubfoot]

The AM2 30A fuse is for ignition 2 circuit that powers the distributor, igniter, coil,..etc. It would take one hell of a short to ground to blow a 30A fuse! Look for a relay in the circuit, there is no way 30A goes through the ign sw.