1991 Toyota Corolla engine will not start when hot

Tiny
HACHI
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 159,687 MILES
The car wont start or crank after 20-30mins of driving, but after it sits for about 2-3hours it starts up fine.

The engine isn't overheating and the battery is fully charged and as for the alternator I had it tested and it passed.

Normally, this isn't a problem b/c my usual drive is only to work and back, but now that it's summer, things are different.
Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 AT 11:39 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
AIRSOFTSOLDRECN9
  • MEMBER
  • 348 POSTS
Check the temperature of your coil packs when you experience this problem. If you are not recieving spark then the coil packs are at fault.
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Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 AT 12:19 AM
Tiny
HACHI
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Is there a way I can check for spark without a spark tester?
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Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 AT 1:14 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi hachi,

Attach a spark plug to the plug wires and hold it to engine ground. DO NOT ground to battery terminals.

Crank and see if you get any sparks.
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Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 AT 9:09 AM
Tiny
HACHI
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I couldn't test for spark b/c the engine wasnt even cranking.

As for the coil packs going bad, what temp should they be at and what can I use to measure it? ( I dont have a automotive/laser thermometer neither)

the only other detail that I can give is when I turn the key to crank the engine, nothing happens. All I hear is a click and nothing else. All the lights still work and they all work well( none are dimmer or anything of that sort).

If it helps, I've come to realize that it does this after I had made multiple trips somewhere(with turning the engine off in between each trip) I dont think that any low fluid levels would cause this since it is a electrical problem and while im on that note, all the fluid levels are fine.
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Friday, June 20th, 2008 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi hachi,

So I missed out some details, ;) sorry about that.

If the starter cannot crank, you need to check the power output from the ignition switch to the starter relay and to starter solenoid.

Possible faults when heated up.

1. Faulty ignition switch.
2. Weak ignition switch to starter wire circuit.
3. Faulty starter.
4. Poor ground or cable connection from battery terminal to starter.
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Saturday, June 21st, 2008 AT 5:38 AM

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