Last week my 1994 toyota 4 cyl. Camry died while on the road. It was having intermitent stalling problem during idle before failing last week and I was driving it like a stick shift pushing it into neutral at lights. I figured I'll drive it like that until the problem gets so bad it fails all together. The mechanics I went to all came back with standard IAC, EGR, tune up, etc. and the engine diagnostics they used said EGR. They would fix the problem for $300+. But everything I read on the web says that is hardly ever the problem. Some mechanics said "NOT EGR".

OK. So when it died last week there was no spark. Had car towed to my house and installed a rebuilt distributor. Car started right up. Was really happy about that. Then drove the car 1 mile and it died. Again, no spark. DAM! I now have a check light engine code of 21. That lists distributor and curcuitry, igniter and circuitry, starter, and ECM as possible problem areas. What to do now? ECM? Big bucks. Igniter? Big bucks. Is there anything I can do to further isolate the problem? Why did the spark return after replacing the distributor then go away. Has anyone experienced anything like this?

Bob

Perform the tests in the link below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-11.html#post2123675

If you replace any parts, start with the coil.

I replaced the entire distributor which included a new coil.

Rebuilt distributors are always suspect, especially on Hondas and Toyotas. You'll have fun isolating the problem, now. Over 50% of new aftermarket distributors for those vehicles don't work. The percentages for rebuilts are even worse. Only go OEM on Honda and Toyota distributors.

You are right about that, I'm up the creek now. Where to go? I guess with 283K miles its time to let it go. But I just went through inspection with flying colors, emissions and all.


Rebuilt distributors are always suspect, especially on Hondas and Toyotas. You'll have fun isolating the problem, now. Over 50% of new aftermarket distributors for those vehicles don't work. The percentages for rebuilts are even worse. Only go OEM on Honda and Toyota distributors.

I concur. Aftermarket dizzy's BIG thumbs down. You can keep returning it till you get a halfway decent one, or you could bite the bullet and buy an OEM dist housing (around 275) and a new coil (around 96) that'll get it right.
It's your call.

Boy both of you guys, TxGreaseMonkey and kitch428, have hit the nail on the head on the remanufactured distributors. That 94 Reman. Had a intermittent open on the rotator coil. Because of that it sailed through the factory bench test only to wind up in my car.

Still, I am not ready to shell out the almost $400 for a OEM distributor. Ordered a aftermarket one from A-M Auto Parts for $118. It came all new and spiffy, with a new cap and rotor. The car started right up again. Now the question is, will it last for 31 days -- just out of warranty period--and fail. By the way this outfit A-M auto had the new distributor in my hands within 24 hours of my final keyboard enter stroke online. Impressive!

It likely will work, until you are in the middle of nowhere; then, it will fail on you.