Hi,

I have a 1989 4Runner, 4Cyl, Manual Transmission, 204K, EFI.

It runs pretty well, although I did replace the TPS about 3 months ago, after seeing several code 51's. The 51s are clear now, but I have a new problem.

After several days of rain and humid weather, the truck will start and run for about 2 seconds, then stop. This is in the morning, after sitting in the driveway all night. This happened about two
weeks ago, also during wet conditions. It wouldn't start then for the whole day, then started fine the next day. It was fine until today.

The ECU shows a code 14. I read that this means the ECU sent 4 IGT signals to the igniter, expecting a confirmation pulse (IGF) after each, and got none. So it shuts the engine down.

The first time this happened I checked the primary and secondary resistances on the coil, they were ok. I almost ordered a used igniter/coil, but since the truck started working I didn't.

Today I dried the igniter/coil with a hair dryer. Also opened the distributor cap and dried that (it wasn't wet in there). I opened the kick panel and "dried" the ecu as well, though that didn't appear wet. Still won't stay running.

I expect it will start tomorrow and be fine until the next batch of weather. Does anyone have any suggestions? I could replace the igniter/coil , and/or replace the ecu . But it could be a short to
ground in the harness somewhere. There are couple of accessible connectors, but the harness is a litte hard to get at.

I hate to waste my money on those two items if it doesn't do the trick, as they both seem to work well otherwise. Not to mention that they aren't cheap...

Thanks a lot for any insight,
Joe

Take the time to check your wiring from the ECU to the igniter, even remove the leads to the coil to make sure there aint any fumunda cheese between the contacts. Also double check the signal pickup wiring between the distributor and igniter. Last make sure all electrical plugs still have their sealing o-rings in place and are keeping moisture off of the contacts inside. 9 out of 10 times its the wiring causing the headache.
~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

I will check those. The o-rings look ok, but I agree with you about the wire. It is a long run, near a lot of hot stuff, and it is wet most of the way.

Thanks for the quick answer. The truck just started, so I think the weather must be improving...

Joe

No problem, I like to help and chat whenever possible. And I understand about the weather issue....my knees get all boogered up when it gets damp and cold. Age is hell...sad thing is Im only 31! lol
~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Ahh, it's humid again, and the truck doesn't like it at all. Here are the symptoms.

code 14 sometimes, won't start -> ign feedback problem.

code 12,13,14. I believe these get registered when the truck is warming up -- I often stall in the center of town 2 miles from my house. It seems that the handoff from "warm-up" mode to "read-all-sensors" (if such modes exist) mode is not smooth.

I've replaced the plugs, wires, cap/rotor with toyota parts.
I swapped out the coil/igniter with a set from a junk yard.

Yesterday I noticed the resistance through the distributor signal pickup is way off. I think the spec is 200 ohms, and it read around 52Kohm. So, I'll replace that one ($80 toyota part). That would explain the ignition feedback problem.

I have a question after looking closely at the distributor.
There's a hole in the bottom of the distributor -- the bottom is actually the surface that's closest to the engine
block, so the hole is really on the side. I've been thinking there's moisture problems in the distributor, so I've been sealing the cap w/dielectric grease, and trying to find a new o-ring for the cap -- only to have a decent size (unthreaded) hole in the side.

Can someone check this out on theirs? I wonder if I'm missing some drain tube or plug or something.

Thanks, and, Happy Easter!
Joe
ps, I recently replaced the fuel filter (that was not fun) and the rear differential (swap with a junk yard part).

Thanks. The signal pickup is due in a week, I'll follow up.

Did you every fix the issue?

I have a '87 4Runner 22RE, 5spd with some funkyness as well.
I'm having some issues where the truck will start up fine in the morning (cold) and will drive the 40miles to work just fine. But when the vehicle has sitting in the parking lot for a few hours under the sun, it has a very difficult time starting. I often have to crank and crank before it will finally start. I have replaced the plugs, and I'm getting ready to replace the distributor cap and striker, but all together hoping that I don't have to replace the coil. I have Ohmed out the resistance on the coil, and all tests are out of spec. I guess I don't want to spend the bucks on a new coil.

Was your issue resolved?

I haven't fixed the problem yet. At this point, it either starts right up, no problem -- or cranks forever , then starts fine 5 minutes later. Not too confidence inspiring!

As far as the coil goes, you could try a junkyard part -- that's what I did. Search in car-part.com for one near you. I think I paid about $45. It didn't fix anything, but it does rule that out (mostly). And I have a spare now. If you were around here, I'd let you have it.

I think a new one is >$200. There were a lot of used ones in my area. I see them on ebay, but you can't measure the resistance on those before you pay. Good luck, let me know how it goes.

With my truck down, I'm driving a car with a leaky sunroof. I miss the truck, it only leaked on my feet.

Joe

I read most of these replies,
Years ago, ('80's) when we went 4wheeling, I'd take a rubber glove and cut the fingers out and put it on the dist. to prevent water from entering! ( Well there;s a good tip!)
Anyhow, stupid question: When you replaced your fuel filter, did you install it correctly? You can put them on backwards.
When did all these prob. start?
I don't know, but I believe it's a fuel problem rather than a elec. prob. Even though you are getting those codes!
Suppose at start up you were not getting enough fuel to "stoke the fire!" , You would get a code for electrical.
Ignitor is firing, plugs are firing, but no fuel for the fire!
I'd recheck the fuel filter and your fuel press.
I've been known to be wrong a time or two, but I'll be the first to admit it!!
Good Luck! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />