We just bought an '89 Toyota camry & we started having problems w/ it not wanting to start. I put new spark plugs & wires, distributor cap, rotary button. Car wouldn't start after that. There's no fire to plugs & we tested spark plug on the frame. Still no fire. We put all the old spark plugs etc. Back on & still nothing. We've then put on a new coil, igniter, a new battery, battery post connectors. Still no fire. Any suggestions?

. Check all under hood and under dash fuses with a test light or multimeter. Be very thorough, since it will save a lot of time and money.

. Check the ignition switch for wear, pitting, or melting.

If the problem persists, and nothing else works, install an OEM coil. This often makes a difference with Toyotas.

What is the OEM coil & where would it be? Fuses have been checked. Thanks

What is the OEM coil & where would it be? Fuses have been checked. Thanks


. Check all under hood and under dash fuses with a test light or multimeter.

. Check the ignition switch for wear, pitting, or melting.

If the problem persists, and nothing else works, install an OEM coil. This often makes a difference with Toyotas.

An OEM coil is one from Toyota.

Does the Check Engine Light come on and go off normally, when the ignition switch is turned to ON?

We replaced the coil & got it from Advance. The check engine light does not come on at all. We think the person that we bought it from must have taken the bulb out. We haven't gotten in there to see if bulb is gone for sure yet.
Does the Check Engine Light come on and go off normally, when the ignition switch is turned to ON?

That can be dicey, if the CEL is not coming on. I would focus on getting it to come on and go off normally. When it does, the ECM is telling you everything checks out. Kitch428 is our Toyota specialist. He could tell you for sure what you should do. Hopefully, he'll see this posting and respond.

We checked for bulb for check engine light & bulb is good but doesn't come on at all. Any suggestions/info on what this means

We were told if computer was bad that we would have to have it programmed for the car by one person & another said we should just be able to get one out of a junkyard. Who's right & is the computer the problem?

We were told if computer was bad that we would have to have it programmed for the car (w/VIN #, etc.) by one person & another said we should just be able to get one out of a junkyard (be able to hook it up w/o programming) Who's right & is the computer the problem?

We were told computer would have to be programmed w/ VIN# of car & another person said if we just got one out of the junkyard that was the same year & model, we should be able to just hook it up.

No programing on a 89 model, just plug it in, BUT, I think you have a fuse blown. First one to check is the EFI fuse located under the hood. Pull it, look at it, then also check it when plugged in with a test light. While you're at it, check them all with key on.
If you find any blown fuses, we'll try and lead you through some diagnosis.

No programming back then. That came about with anti-theft (immobilizer) systems.

Thank you for your responses - We will definitely be checking fuses

Fuses have been checked. It's not that. Also, one thing that happened was my wife tried to start the car one time & it wouldn't start for her & she said she saw a little bit of white smoke come out from corner of hood around battery side. It did start for me after that. Could this be something that may have went out after that? Could it be a relay or fuse panel issue?