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From: Jeff Strickland on 28 May 2010 15:23

<williammaw(a)aol.com> wrote in message
news:db8352e0-f809-4896-bbcd-acacc4c35f3d(a)a20g2000vbc.googlegroups.com...
On May 28, 11:50 am, "Jeff Strickland" <crwlrj...(a)yahoo.com> wrote:
> <william...(a)aol.com> wrote in message
>
> <JS>
>
> I think an igniter is the same as an ignition coil. The ignition coil(s)
> provide the spark for the plugs.
>
> There are several ways to implement the spark circuit -- a single coil and
> distributor that fires for all plugs, two coils that are connected to
> opposing spark plugs and are fired by the computer, and a separate coil
> for
> each spark plug that are fired by the computer. I do not know how the
> spark
> circuit is implemented in your Previa, bit I'm pretty sure it isn't your
> problem. If it is your problem there should be an OBD II code for it. Have
> you bothered to pull codes? There could be an important clue there.
>
> </JS>

I don't have a code reader for the Previa. I took a quick look at the
ECU under the seat and noticed that there is a diagnostics connector
on top. May be I should get one. Wonder how much they cost?


<JS>

The Previa complies to the OBD II specification, any scan tool will work.
The port on the ECU probably (but I don't know for sure) only accepts the
Toyota Diagnostic tool.

The OBD II data port should be located along the bottom of the dashboard,
generally in the vicinity of where the clutch pedal would be if there was
one. It is required by the specification to be the same as in all other cars
and trucks built since the '96 model year, and it is supposed to be located
along the underside of the dashboard and not hidden. The caveat on "hidden"
is that the port can be located behind a cover that clearly states the data
port is hiding there. Some Honda products put the data port behind the
ashtray, but I do not believe that Toyota ever did that.


</JS>




From: Ray O on 29 May 2010 00:20

<williammaw(a)aol.com> wrote in message
news:747698db-dada-4929-89c4-f67653dd01b8(a)a16g2000vbr.googlegroups.com...
> My Previa van suddenly quit without warning. I was just leaving home
> and the engine suddenly quit about a block down the road. All the
> instrument panel lights came on, and the motor would turn over as
> usual, but just wouldn't start.
>
> It has over 400 K KMs and has been a solid driver up till that point.
> There were a couple of incidents during the past year or so. When I
> turn the ignition on, there would be no electricity, i.e. no lights on
> the instrument panel, and nothing happens when you turn the key. You
> let it sit for a few minutes and it is all back to normal again.
> That's about the only there is.
>
> I am wondering if anyone has any idea what might be the problem.
>
> Thank you in advance ...

There are several possible causes of the condition. When you turn the
ignition key, does the engine turn over but not start? If the engine turns
over, does it turn over more quickly than normal? By the way, if the engine
turns over, the ignition key is not a likely cause of the problem.

The igniter is not the same as the ignition switch and it is not the same
thing as an ignition coil. Basically, the igniter is the piece that tells
the coil to discharge. Igniters generally fail permanently and do not quit,
then work, then quit again. Once it fails, it doesn't come back and needs
replacement.

As far as the diagnostic check connector, the Previa has either OBD I or OBD
II, depending on the model year. If it is OBD I, then all you need to pull
codes is a paper clip. If it is OBD II, then you need an OBD II code
scanner.

So, before anyone sends you checking a bunch of unnecessary stuff, what
model and model year is your Previa, what country was it sold in, and do you
have a multi-meter?

You should probably start with the basic stuff that an engine needs to run -
air, fuel, and a source of ignition at the appropriate time and amount.

If the engine turns over, then check for spark first. If no spark, check
the coil resistance. If the coil is good, check the spark plugs.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)



From: williammaw on 2 Jun 2010 18:34
On May 28, 10:20 pm, "Ray O" <rokig...(a)NOSPAMtristarassociates.com>
wrote:
>
> There are several possible causes of the condition.  When you turn the
> ignition key, does the engine turn over but not start?  If the engine turns
> over, does it turn over more quickly than normal?  By the way, if the engine
> turns over, the ignition key is not a likely cause of the problem.
>
> The igniter is not the same as the ignition switch and it is not the same
> thing as an ignition coil.  Basically, the igniter is the piece that tells
> the coil to discharge.  Igniters generally fail permanently and do not quit,
> then work, then quit again.  Once it fails, it doesn't come back and needs
> replacement.
>
> As far as the diagnostic check connector, the Previa has either OBD I or OBD
> II, depending on the model year.  If it is OBD I, then all you need to pull
> codes is a paper clip.  If it is OBD II, then you need an OBD II code
> scanner.
>
> So, before anyone sends you checking a bunch of unnecessary stuff, what
> model and model year is your Previa, what country was it sold in, and do you
> have a multi-meter?
>
> You should probably start with the basic stuff that an engine needs to run -
> air, fuel, and a source of ignition at the appropriate time and amount.
>
> If the engine turns over, then check for spark first.  If no spark, check
> the coil resistance.  If the coil is good, check the spark plugs.
> --
>

It is a 91 sold in US. The engine turns over but it doesn't turn over
faster than normal. The car is parked in a side street, so it would
be difficult to crawl under the car to check the spark plugs, but if
the coil is accessible through the panel under the driver's seat, I
could check the coil resistance if you can tell me how. Yes, I have a
multi-meter.

I just went to check the fusible links next to the battery - 2x50
Amps, 1X100 Amps and a smaller one - and they all seem to be fine.

From: Ray O on 2 Jun 2010 23:06

<williammaw(a)aol.com> wrote in message
news:24c3f9b1-e84a-4a5c-90b6-2f3c47bc9076(a)l6g2000vbo.googlegroups.com...
On May 28, 10:20 pm, "Ray O" <rokig...(a)NOSPAMtristarassociates.com>
wrote:
>
> There are several possible causes of the condition. When you turn the
> ignition key, does the engine turn over but not start? If the engine turns
> over, does it turn over more quickly than normal? By the way, if the
> engine
> turns over, the ignition key is not a likely cause of the problem.
>
> The igniter is not the same as the ignition switch and it is not the same
> thing as an ignition coil. Basically, the igniter is the piece that tells
> the coil to discharge. Igniters generally fail permanently and do not
> quit,
> then work, then quit again. Once it fails, it doesn't come back and needs
> replacement.
>
> As far as the diagnostic check connector, the Previa has either OBD I or
> OBD
> II, depending on the model year. If it is OBD I, then all you need to pull
> codes is a paper clip. If it is OBD II, then you need an OBD II code
> scanner.
>
> So, before anyone sends you checking a bunch of unnecessary stuff, what
> model and model year is your Previa, what country was it sold in, and do
> you
> have a multi-meter?
>
> You should probably start with the basic stuff that an engine needs to
> run -
> air, fuel, and a source of ignition at the appropriate time and amount.
>
> If the engine turns over, then check for spark first. If no spark, check
> the coil resistance. If the coil is good, check the spark plugs.
> --
>

It is a 91 sold in US. The engine turns over but it doesn't turn over
faster than normal. The car is parked in a side street, so it would
be difficult to crawl under the car to check the spark plugs, but if
the coil is accessible through the panel under the driver's seat, I
could check the coil resistance if you can tell me how. Yes, I have a
multi-meter.

I just went to check the fusible links next to the battery - 2x50
Amps, 1X100 Amps and a smaller one - and they all seem to be fine.

*******
A 1991 Previa is OBD I so you check codes by shorting terminals TE1 and E1
in the diagnostic check connector under the driver's seat. Unbend a paper
clip and insert the ends of the clip in the terminals, then turn the
ignition switch to the on position and count the check engine light flashes.
If it flashes steadily, then no codes are stored. If it flashes, pauses,
flashes again, then pauses for a longer period and repeats the pattern,
count the flashes. The flashes correspond to the codes. For example, 3
quick flashes, then 2 quick flashes, then repeat means the code is 32.

I don't remember where the coil is, but it is probably near the distributor
which is mounted on the front of the engine and accessible from underneath.
If you are going to crawl underneath, it is just as easy to pull a spark
plug and check for spark. If there is spark, the coil is good. If there is
no spark, then check the coil. The coil will have a heavy wire going to the
center terminal of the distributor. The resistance in the primary circuit
(the small connector with 2 wires) whould be .3 to .6 ohms between the 2
terminals on the coil. The resistancein the secondary circuit (positive
primary terminal and big terminal coming out of the coil should be 9 to 15
kilo ohms. The reisistance of the spark plug wires from the inside of the
distributor cap to the end of the spark plug wire should be less than 25
kilo ohms per cord. Dont try to pull the wire from the distributor as they
are permanently attached.

I'm leaving town Friday afternoon for a week so if you have more questions,
try to get post before Thursday evening.

good luck!
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)


From: Jeff Strickland on 2 Jun 2010 23:14

<williammaw(a)aol.com> wrote in message
news:db8352e0-f809-4896-bbcd-acacc4c35f3d(a)a20g2000vbc.googlegroups.com...
On May 28, 11:50 am, "Jeff Strickland" <crwlrj...(a)yahoo.com> wrote:
> <william...(a)aol.com> wrote in message
>
> <JS>
>
> I think an igniter is the same as an ignition coil. The ignition coil(s)
> provide the spark for the plugs.
>
> There are several ways to implement the spark circuit -- a single coil and
> distributor that fires for all plugs, two coils that are connected to
> opposing spark plugs and are fired by the computer, and a separate coil
> for
> each spark plug that are fired by the computer. I do not know how the
> spark
> circuit is implemented in your Previa, bit I'm pretty sure it isn't your
> problem. If it is your problem there should be an OBD II code for it. Have
> you bothered to pull codes? There could be an important clue there.
>
> </JS>

I don't have a code reader for the Previa. I took a quick look at the
ECU under the seat and noticed that there is a diagnostics connector
on top. May be I should get one. Wonder how much they cost?


<JS>
You told Ray that it's a '91, so it won't be OBD II. He describes the method
of straightening a paper clip and inserting it into particular pins of a
connector somewhere. This will make the Check Engine light flash a code, if
there is one or are any.

Turns out I gave you a bum steer on the Igniter. I thought it was another
term for a coil.

You need to get the diagnostic codes before you can move forward.

</JS>



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