[Clough]

Hi, All!

A number of months ago, my 1997 Toyota Camry LE just simply stopped running while I was driving it. I know that the battery is okay and that there was enough gas in it.

What might be the steps to take to check things off as to the cause? The engine will turn over but not start.

I have heard that the alternator might possibly be one of the potential causes as to that happening.

Thanks!

[CaptainRich]

Check for strong spark and if you don't have a good strong snap, replace the ignition coil and ignition condenser together.

Check that the fuel pump is priming as you turn the key to the "RUN" position.

Let us know how this works.

[Clough]

Thank you for your response, CaptainRich! Would I be checking for the spark at the ignition coil?

Thanks!

[KISS]

Plug wire or coil wire connections within 1/8 of ground. Look for spark. Borrow scan tool.

[Clough]

Hi, KeepItSimpleStupid!

What's a scan tool, please?

Thanks!

[KISS]

Search for 0BD scan tool. OBD stands for On Board Diagnostics. Connector under steering collum. PS: computer being repaired; using phone

[KISS]

Clough:

Usually every no start situation is approched with:

Is there air, fuel and spark?

Spark is usually tested with a known good plug held against the block. You look for a spark when cranking. The spark will be less intense than it would be in the engine.

Fuel can be tested initially by looking to see if the plug is wet after contnued cranking. The fuel pressure rail is at about 80 PSI.

Air usually means checking the air cleaner filter.

Disconnecting the battery will erase codes, so it's best to find tyhem before the battery is depleated.

With the event of the newer vehicles and all the instrumantation and the necessity to inspect vehicles for emmissions, the OBD standard and connector system was introduced.

Initially the diagnostic connector was propreitary and then they bacame relatively universal. Newer cars will use something called the CAN bus. This bus structure is appealing because of the multiple systems involved such as ABS etc. Each one can have there own computer associated with each system.

I'd also have to ask if you recently filled the car with gas. We had a situation here where many vehicles were affected by water in the gas and they pretty much stopped dead in the station sometimes.

Here is a sample of some OBD codes: OBD II Generic codes

Some ideas could be crankshaft position sensor and fuel rail pressure low.

Autozone will scan your vehicle for free. They may, rent the tool. Each tool comes with levels of sophistication. Some may just give codes and others will give suggested malfunctions.

I suspect you should be able to rent a tool.

It's a whole different world out there. Cars are becoming more reliable and need less maintenance. I don't own a scan tool yet, but have used Autozone's free service for my mom's car for a defective MAF sensor and fuel filler gasket. I could have used it twice for my vehicle.

[kitch428]

1997 Camry's have 2 coil packs that feed 2 cyl each. I have never seen them go bad. That's if you have a 4 cyl model. You didn't mention what you have.
You did say you know the battery is OK. Then I'd say the alt is OK because the battery is not discharged.
If anyone walks up to me and says it just quit while driving, then I'd bet my bottom dollar the timing belt gave up due to a faulty water pump.

[CaptainRich]

...
Fuel can be tested initially by looking to see if the plug is wet after contnued cranking. The fuel pressure rail is at about 80 PSI.

That's far too high.
More like about 45 to 50 psi on this car.

What motor do you have? 4 or 6 cylinder?

And about how many miles on the vehicle?

[Clough]

Hi again, CaptainRich!

It's a four cylinder car. The amount of miles on the car is about 150,00. Although, I replaced the engine a number of years ago because it threw a rod.

So, the engine hasn't had all that many miles on it.

Thanks!

[CaptainRich]

Replacement engine: salvaged, new or remanufactured?

Miles and time consume all belts.

You could still suspect the timing belt.
Remove the three screws retaining the distributor cap to the distributor housing and while watching the ignition rotor, have someone briefly crank the engine.
The rotor should rotate counter-clockwise in time with the camshaft. If it's not spinning, then kitch was right. T-belt.
However, if the rotor is turning as designed, then we move to electrical.
Please, let us know, OK?

[Clough]

The engine is salvaged.

A neighbor friend of mine should be able to help me with the present diagnostics in the next couple days, that have been suggested on this thread.

Thanks!

[kitch428]

No dist on the 97, Capt. First year for the dual coil packs.