Sputtering during idle?

Tiny
TWEBB101
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 202,000 MILES
Hello! My Car will sputter when idling during a cold start. After the engine is warmed, it seems to stop. I know this is very vague, but is there any good place to start diagnosing? I have an audio recording here: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AsWk6tGZjaVjqFB-Kdv5y1kYQujz
Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 AT 5:56 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Does the check engine light ever stay on when the engine is running? When was the last time the spark plugs were replaced?

Do me a favor. Let's start by checking for diagnostic trouble codes. You won't need a scanner to check for codes. Follow the directions in this link and let me know what you find:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/toyota-trouble-code-definitions-and-code-gathering-method-1990-1995

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
TWEBB101
  • MEMBER
  • 190 POSTS
We tested it and got Code 12: Engine revolution signal missing.
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Sunday, March 24th, 2024 AT 8:44 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

In the distributor there is a pick-up coil. Based on the code, that is where the issue is coming from. It doesn't necessarily mean the pick-up coil is faulty, but chances are that is the issue.

I attached diagnostics below. Take a look through them and let me know if you are comfortable performing them.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, March 25th, 2024 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
TWEBB101
  • MEMBER
  • 190 POSTS
Thanks Joe. Can you tell me where the sensors are located, or how to access them? Also, what is the “air gap” for test 3? If I can find them, I’m willing to try the tests.
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Monday, March 25th, 2024 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

The pick-up coil is located in the distributor. If you look at pic 1 below, I highlighted the pick-up coil and then I have a straight line where you are checking airgap.

The remaining directions are for testing purposes. They provide the manufacturer's air gap specifications and also indicate how to test the resistance in the pick-up coil.

Note: The manual refers to the same part as a camshaft position sensor in one section and the pick-up coil in another. They are one in the same.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
TWEBB101
  • MEMBER
  • 190 POSTS
We measured the coil; the first test the bottom pins, zeroed out and beeped for continuity. The top pins measured 535 ohms.
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 AT 5:48 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

That appears to be well out of spec. Is it new as well as the other parts? Have you tried replacing it? If not, I suspect that would be a good place to start. I have a feeling that is causing the idle issue.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
TWEBB101
  • MEMBER
  • 190 POSTS
It’s probably factory; definitely haven’t replaced it. I’ll try that and get back to ya.
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. Let me know if that is the issue. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care and let me know if you run into any trouble.

Joe
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
TWEBB101
  • MEMBER
  • 190 POSTS
It looks like that sensor is built into the distributor and the whole distributor would need to be replaced, can you confirm that?
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 AT 9:24 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Looking at an exploded view of the distributor, it looks like you are correct. It appears to be integral.

I don't know if you need them, but I attached the directions below for replacing the distributor. Take a look through them and let me know if you have questions.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

See pics below.
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Thursday, April 11th, 2024 AT 7:22 PM

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