Intermittent starting issue - help to diagnose

DaveBrickley · Post by **DaveBrickley** » 15/03/18 21:29

hi

I acquired a Mk 2 (1990) two weeks ago which runs very nicely except at very low revs, or from a standing start, it bogs down, like it's being starved of fuel. It's simple enough to 'drive around' since you can build up the revs ahead of when you need them

The bigger problem is whether it starts at all. I was sadly encouraged by RAC to pay to have immobiliser removed at quite a significant labour cost which has not fixed the issue.

The same garage now diagnose a 'weak spark' and have quoted £180 for replacement parts.

I am taking it to a place I have known many years, but I need to get it started!

The lights which come on when the key is turned to first position are: Left (Oil, Battery, another oil with a line under it...?), Right (Handbrake, door open, engine, then beneath handbrake is something that looks like engine with a fan to the left...?)

My question to the group is, does the issues above sound like something a ignition coil or amp would cause?

Thanks for any help

jimi · Post by **jimi** » 15/03/18 22:37

DaveBrickley wrote: ↑
15/03/18 21:29

The lights which come on when the key is turned to first position are: Left (Oil, Battery, another oil with a line under it...?), Right (Handbrake, door open, engine, then beneath handbrake is something that looks like engine with a fan to the left...?)

Oil Pressure, Battery, Oil Level .... Handbrake, Door Open, CEL (Check Engine Light), Engine bay cooling fan
All normal when the key is turned to the first position, is the CEL on steady or flashing
Dash warning lights are shown here http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/know-your-2/mk2. ... bartid=244

DaveBrickley · Post by **DaveBrickley** » 15/03/18 22:54

jimi wrote: ↑
15/03/18 22:37

DaveBrickley wrote: ↑
15/03/18 21:29

The lights which come on when the key is turned to first position are: Left (Oil, Battery, another oil with a line under it...?), Right (Handbrake, door open, engine, then beneath handbrake is something that looks like engine with a fan to the left...?)

Oil Pressure, Battery, Oil Level .... Handbrake, Door Open, CEL (Check Engine Light), Engine bay cooling fan
All normal when the key is turned to the first position, is the CEL on steady or flashing
Dash warning lights are shown here http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/know-your-2/mk2. ... bartid=244

It's on steady. Never seen any (unexpected) lights come on when it's started or driving.

MR2DI4 · Post by **MR2DI4** » 16/03/18 2:28

What parts did you get quoted for ?

Typical stuff is just plugs and a distributor cap for a weak spark, after that the parts that start to be involved would stop your car running altogether.

headcase · Post by **headcase** » 16/03/18 6:10

Check the coil they crack and can cause hard starting

DaveBrickley · Post by **DaveBrickley** » 16/03/18 6:33

MR2DI4 wrote: ↑
16/03/18 2:28
What parts did you get quoted for ?

Typical stuff is just plugs and a distributor cap for a weak spark, after that the parts that start to be involved would stop your car running altogether.

A new coil and amplifier, I believe. Not heard back from them in two days ...

DaveBrickley · Post by **DaveBrickley** » 16/03/18 6:34

headcase wrote: ↑
16/03/18 6:10
Check the coil they crack and can cause hard starting

I am hoping to hear from chap in Sheffield with eBay shop as that’s drivable, I will try and remove mine in hope he can test it

DaveBrickley · Post by **DaveBrickley** » 16/03/18 19:44

Any experience using an aftermarket part such as this?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOR-TOYOTA-C ... 0675.m4236

Robbie_742003 · Post by **Robbie_742003** » 21/03/18 8:58

If its not been thought of already, the coil and igniter (if both working properly) require a good earth. Take a look where they are bolted to the body, and if required, unbolt and clean up the contact point.

Rob