Q: I have a Toyota Tercel, and I will like to adapt a tachometer, but I don't know where. I instaled directly to the engine and started giving me problem with the electricity. I will like to know where I can adapt it?
A: You need to connect to the negative side of the coil. Ed
Q: I have A Toyota Tercel 1995. Since yesterday I can not start on the car. i checked the fuel pump (it is Ok). I checked the spark plug but no one of spark plugs are working(no current sparkling emition). I checked the two coil input voltage(12v) but they neither has voltage. It seems that I have a problem in Ignition module or some other part. colud you tell me how to test the ignition module or what could be wrong with my car?
A: TESTING OF SWITCH
An ignition switch supplies voltage to the ignition control module and/or the ignition coil. Often an ignition sytem thas two wires connected to the run terminal of the ignition switch. On is connected to the module. The other is connected to the primary resistor and coil. The start terminal of the switch is also wired to the module.
You can check for voltage using either a 12-volt test light or a digital multimeter (DMM).
To use a test light:
Turn the ignition key off and disconnect the wire connector at the module.
Disconnect the S terminal of the starter solenoid to prevent the engine from cranking when the ignition is in the run position.
Turn the key to the run position and probe the red wire connection to check for voltage.
Check for voltage at the battery terminal of the ignition coil using the test light.
Next, turn the key to the start position and check for voltage at the white wire connector at the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If voltage is present, the switch and its circuit are okay.
To do the same test using a DMM:
Turn the ignition switch to the off position and back-probe, with the meter's positive lead, the power feed wire at the module.
Connect the meter's negative to a good ground at the distributor base.
Turn the ignition to the run or start position as needed, and measure the voltage.
The reading should be at least 90% of battery voltage.
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INSPECTION OF SWITCH
Any ignition system diagnosis should begin with a visual inspection. The system should be checked for obvious problems.
Do not overlook the ignition switch as a source of intermittent ignition problems.
A loose mounting rivet or poor connection can result in erratic spark output.
To check the switch, gently wiggle the ignition key and connecting wires with the engine running. If the ignition cuts out or dies, the problem is located.
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REPLACEMENT OF SWITCH
The ignition switch is usually mounted to the steering column and is operated by a linkage rod.
NOTE
On column-mounted ignition switches, don't confuse the switch with the lock cylinder and keys. The ignition switch is not normally visible.
On some vehicles, the steering column support has to be removed and the column lowered to find the ignition switch. On others, the switch is accessible under the dash.
The ignition switch is operated by the key switch. Courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
To replace the switch:
Remove the ignition switch wiring harness.
Unbolt it from its position.
Bolt the new switch into position.
Attach the witing harness.
Q: Dear All,
Please tell me where the gas line filter for the 1994 Toyota Tercel is located? Not sure it is the problem BUT it probably needs changing anyhow.
Thank you.
Best,
Joel N. Gordes
A: Usually, under the hood on the fire wall (driver's side). Ed
Q: The engine light comes on and I suspect it is the oxygen sensor that has gone bad. It is a bit rought running in low gears but no other symptoms. About how much might this cost to replace and can I do it myself without specialized tools? Thanks. Joel Gordes
A: First of all , are you certain that the O2 sensor is at fault ? Excessive fuel can cause the sensor to be bad , but it isn't . Check your fuel system , as in fuel injector if so equipped . Also check for vacuum leaks and air flow restrictions .
Yes , generally speaking , the proper sized wrench and some care to protect your knuckles from scrapes , you can remove the sensor yourself . Cost ? ? ? It can be somewhat expensive . Be sure it is at fault before you shell out that kind of cash .
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction When accelerating When cold
Q: Two problems: 1) a coolant leak onto my right foot when the airconditioner has been on for a while especially on turns.
2) Now that it is cold, the heat is intermittant. On highways the heat is good, around town, I feel a cool breeze. No matter where I put the upper left hand lever, or where I put the right hand lever either in the face, or floor or defrost, the cool breeze is still coming out of all vents.
A: I'll take a crack at #1. Are you sure it is coolant that comes out? In the process of cooling the air, the evaporator core condenses the moisture out of it. There is a drain hose that conducts the condensate out underneath the vehicle,(you can see this on a hot, humid day dripping onto the pavement). Sometimes the hoses get plugged up, and the evaporator housing fills with water, which of course sloshes onto your feet whenever you make a turn. Ususally this can be cured at any garage; up on the lift, and a quick blast of air through the hose will clear the obstruction.
Q: what transmission fluid will i use for manual tercel 93?
A: Manuals don't use transmission fluid. That's why the labels always say "ATF" (stands for "automatic transmission fluid"). Nutshell: In an automatic, the tranny fluid is what shifts your car through the gears when you have it in drive. In a standard, you do that yourself with the manual gearshift and clutch, so there's no need for transmission fluid. Also, if you look under your hood, you'll only see one dipstick, and it's for your oil. An automatic has two, the second being for the ATF. Hope this helped!
-Elizabeth
Q: Today, I was coming out of a turn, shifted, and nothing happened. (91,000 miles on my Tercel with the original clutch)
I can move my gear box and put the car into various gears, but the engine doesn't respond. That is, it doesn't move, but I can hear the engine revving like it's trying to but it's paralyzed.
I have plenty of clutch fluid in the car. Does this mean it's time for a new clutch? What's the lifespan for a clutch? How much do clutches cost? What's the labor involved?
A: No noises at all when you let the clutch pedal out?...... also check to see that a cv joint didn't break.... Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other Not applicable Always
Q: The battery and parking "idiot" lites came on.
I changed the battery/connectors and it went out, then two days later a dead battery.
I took the alternator out and had it tested and it was bad. I purchased a new one and installed it and the lites went out. And then a day later it came on again, but the battery has a full charge and when I put the volt meter on the battery with the engine running I get 13 to 14 volts and with engine off I have 12 volts.
What are the odds that I got a bad alternator from the parts house? And what else do I need to check?
A:
Load your charging system. Turn on headlights, heater, and rear defrost. Does volt meter still show a charge? Engine running of course and please Extreme caution around moving engine parts.
Don't happen to notice cooling fan coming on with idiot light by chance? Double check all connections..
Q: I have a '89 Tercel with that variable carburetor. The piston got stuck in it and the car stopped working, so I replaced the whole carb, but now three cylinders are totally dead (the fourth one works well, but there's nothing going out by the spark plug hole on the 3 others). I've heard about a few people to whom the same thing happened. Are you familiar with that problem on 87-90 Tercels??? I think it may be quite common, so maybe you could help me out before I have to open the engine in search of answers... Thanks a lot!
A: Check the fireing order and change the spark plugs.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Dimming When driving Always
Q: The battery light and emergency brake light flicker, then it stays on. As that happens, the alternator stops charging and all the lights start getting dimmer and dimmer. There is a sound coming frome the emission relay.
A: Get your voltage regulator checked. (inside the alternator.
Q: I want to replace the spark plugs and wire set myself, I need some instructions to do it.
-thanks
A: super easy! Find an appropriate sized spark plug socket to remove the plugs, a wire gauge to set the correct electrode gap on the new spark plugs and pick up a cap/wire/rotor set, to replace the old ones. The cap and wires are all one unit on these cars, and are a little costly. To remove the cap remove the two screws/bolts holding it to the distributor and pull it off. Rotor also just pulls off. A word of advice...pay close attention when you are removing the plug wires and make sure you get them on the right cylinder. L8r.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: Horn will not work after replaced fuse for turn signals.
A: Two entirely different systems . You missed someting , or dislodged a connection . Try again . "www.alldatadiy.com" may a good source of information for you . It is a paid membership site , but for the information that they have , well worth it .
Q: When the car heats up it won't go. The car boggs out and dies out won't run smooth. Pinging noise coming from the valves. The car will go for ten minutes then it dies out and won't run until it is completely cold. Runs fine when cold. When it heats up it wont run.
Q: Hello and Merry Christmas. Great Web site. Question: I have an 87 Toyota Tercel that is now progressingly having more and more difficulty starting.
There is plenty of power but when I turn the key there are the following reactions - Car starts briefly then dies out and then there can be a period of several seconds to several minutes of repeated attempts at starting but I only get clicking sound with no turn-over (? terminology for starting) - Car doesn't start at all and only clicking sounds until engines turns-over.
This problem began after periods of rain and now is occurring with a high degree of frequency.
I am assuming it is ignition issues; can you enlighten me further. Thanks! Robert Barton
A: Tune-up , ie , new sparkplugs , distributor cap , points if so equiped , battery , clean and tight connections to the starter and ground points . The clicking noise is probably due to either a bad starter , starter solenoid , or a weak battery . Corroded elctrical connections can be a problem as well .
Q: There is smoke coming out of the exhaust. I believe the carburetor needs to be serviced. But I am not sure that I am using the right term here. But basically, smoke is coming out. Especially when I start the car in the morning, and less when the car is driven.
A: Does the car have high mileage? It's probably not the carb. The valve seals are most likely going.
As the car sits overnight, the oil is leaking past the seals and ending up on top of the pistons. This would make it smoke. After it burns off while driving, it will stop.
Drive Train / Driveline Malfunction When driving Always
Q: Clutch started going the day after I bought the car "as is" from a tow yard. I've never seen a clutch go this fast, but within the first 100 miles, the clutch went from soft to gone. Now won't engage even in first gear.
Any idea if an adjustment might help? If not, how much can I expect to pay for a new clutch?
A: Sounds like a fluid leak in the clutch slave cylinder. This system is hydraulic, I think. Ed
Q: Howdy,
thanks for answering my other question. My engine has 190k on it and it had a valve job done at 120k. The head gasket is leaking and I'm wondering the best diagnostic to determine whether to replace the engine. How good are the rebuilt/new 3 A-C engines? Is it worth it? The rest of car, though old, is in good shape.
A: If it is only the head gasket, then I would have it replaced as the engine still has some life left in it, unless your heads are warped beyond repair.
Then maybe it would be best to replace the car, as opposed to replacing the engine which may run you as much or more than the car itself...
as for the a-c engines, I couldnt tell you much... I have been focusing on my project Olds
442....
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: Tercel 1983 4x4 wagon. Both of the tie rods are squeking. About 20k ago a mechanic said that while they were making nosie "there was no play". Should I replace them? I've tried WD-40.
PK
A: Use a needle and syringe to inject grease into tie rod. Just shoot it in the rubber boot.
Q: When I press the accelerator pedal to the floor (or even half way) I get a rattling sound coming from the engine(it is especially pronounced while going up a hill). Is it my carb? What to do?
A: Have your timing adjusted and put some carb cleaner in the gas. I have the same car and it sat while I was out of town. You may also run a few tanks of premium or plus gas, instead of regular, to help clean out the fuel system components.
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