Electrical issues

Tiny
TDPLTINA
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 TOYOTA CELICA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 169,000 MILES
I have an '87 Toyota Celica. I have some weird issues going on. It started with a burned out tail light bulb. Now, when I use my headlights, I can't use my cruise, when I push the brake pedal, my dash lights and parking lights come on. Also, intermittently the brake and battery lights on the dash come on then go off. Recently it has at times not started, but after it sits overnight, it wil start back up and run until it does it again. Can you please help?
Monday, December 27th, 2010 AT 6:06 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Check the taillight ground circuit connections and the socket of the bulb replaced. Seems the taillight is missing a ground circuit.

When it could not be started, is the starter cranking?
Have you checked the battery terminal? A loose and contaminated terminal connection would result in intermittentl so crank condition.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, January 7th, 2011 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
TDPLTINA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes the starter is cranking. It acts almost like it is flooded. It hasn't done it in a while until today. Twice it almost didn't start, but did after a few cranks.

Thanks, I will check the terminals.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, January 7th, 2011 AT 10:39 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Have you tried to retrieve for trouble codes?
Is vehicle equipped with super monitor?
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 3:31 PM
Tiny
TDPLTINA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
No. Unfortunately I don't have the equipment for that. I wish I did.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, January 10th, 2011 AT 4:14 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
That is the monitor inside vehicle. As your vehicle is not equipped with Super Monitor, you can try this.

Entering Diagnostic Mode Without Super Monitor Display

1. Ensure battery voltage is above 11 volts, throttle valve is fully closed, transmission in "P" or "N" position, all accessory off, and engine is at normal operating temperature.

2. Turn ignition switch to ON position, but DO NOT start engine. Using a jumper wire, short terminals "T" and "E1" of engine check connector. See Fig. 6.

3. Read code(s) as indicated by number of flashes of CHECK ENGINE warning light. See Fig. 7.

4. The CHECK ENGINE warning light will blink a number of times equal to the malfunction code indication with a 2.5 second delay between each indication. The diagnostic code series will be repeated as long as engine check connector terminals "T" and "E1" are shorted.

NOTE:
In the event a number of trouble codes are to be identified, indication will begin from the smaller value and continue to the larger in order.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, January 10th, 2011 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
TDPLTINA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thanks so much. Where can I find what the codes mean?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, January 10th, 2011 AT 5:17 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/toyota-trouble-code-definitions-and-code-gathering-method-1990-1995

Try the above. Let me know the code if you can't find it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, January 10th, 2011 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
TDPLTINA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
OK. Will do. Thanks for all your help. Greatly appreciated!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, January 10th, 2011 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
You're welcome.

Have a nice day.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, January 10th, 2011 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
TDPLTINA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I need something telling me what fuse is for what on the fuse box under the dash on drivers side. Can u help?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 15th, 2011 AT 4:16 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Here you are.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 15th, 2011 AT 4:53 PM
Tiny
TDPLTINA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I now have brake lights. Checked out the bulb socket of the bulb I thought had burned out only to discover the socket was corroded. Moisture I believe be cause the antenna is missing and there is a hole for water to get into. Still no tail lights. But we thing that the tail light relay is bad. That is the next thing I will check.

I do want to ask this though. Is there anyway to check a voltage regulator to see if it is good or bad? If so, how?

Thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 AT 9:21 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
IC Voltage Regulator
Set ohmmeter to x100 ohm scale. Check for continuity between terminals "B" and "F". There should be continuity in one direction only.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 AT 5:46 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Brake Warning Light Content

Brake System Warning Light
GUIDE
Brake System Warning Light
Park your car on level ground with the engine off and lift the hood, also have a flashlight ready for inspection.
VIEW MORE