Faulty ECU?

[85GTSvert]

Lately my CEL has been flashing erratically with the key in ON and while driving. Sometimes it will flash once, twice, three times. Half a flash. It is not evenly spaced by any means. It is throwing a code 3 for the igniter. I installed a new japanese made intermotor igniter about 2-3 years ago; 5k miles on it and all the contacts check out, body grounds for the coil all good. No code 3 issues until the odd CEL behavior. The coil is original and i noticed the electrode (where the dizzy coil wire connects) has some slight white corrosion inside and the metal contact in the center is rust colored. It runs fairly well. I had the slight miss from 1500-2000 rpms that was slightly improved by backing the timing down BUT...on that note. If I try to jump the diagnostic connector to set timing, the engine dies, and usually only when it’s at OT. When I jump the connector while it’s warming up, I hear the timing retard like normal. Strange.

[danf]

The first thing I'd do is check the temperature sensor reporting the the ECU...

The second thing I'd do is check all grounds for corrosion. I had to replace all my ground straps a few years ago.

[85GTSvert]

I just checked the only three grounds I could find- the obvious neg battery to fender, head to firewall, and block to transmission crossmember. All looked fine, cleaned for good measure. There was some light brown carbon inside the dizzy cap. Cleaned up the rotor button and cap contacts. Same code 3.

The diagnostic connector issue is intermittent and not affected by OT or not, I found. It is completely random. It really seems like there is either a wiring short or ecu short. I know the TPS and to a certain extent, the coolant temp sensor affect absolutely everything, but I can't seem to reason how they would cause this intermittent issue.

Also, I really need a copy of the factory SRM. Unfortunately, the link on the general sticky is broken.

[twotone_ra64]

Shoot. Well, PM me your email and I'll forward the factory service manual pdfs for your car!

[85GTSvert]

So, strange development this past holiday weekend. I noticed my idle albeit smooth was a bit lower than normal, low enough to stall once going from neutral to drive. I also noticed a light nails on chalkboard almost belt squeal type of noise from the engine. I stopped, popped the hood, assumed the idler bearing was going, gave it a couple hard revs while standing over the engine and it just died. No fowl noises, it just cut off and wouldn’t restart.  I popped off the dizzy cap and found this and a code 6 dizzy code.

Firstly, the chain and guides are fine, so i’m hopeful that it is just a roll pin on the rotor shaft that went. Nothing sounds off when I try to turn it over like there is any less stress on the rotating mass like a broken chain. So in short, I hope a new dizzy will get me on the road again.

Secondly, the code 3 is still intermittent. I wonder if the dizzy pickup coil has been the culprit for this igniter code 3 business.

[85GTSvert]

It almost looks as if the shaft became bent or dislodged and scraped off the end of the rotor button before it became so off center that it stopped rotating. As I try to turn it over, the rotor button does not turn.

[twotone_ra64]

I saw your mention of this happenstance on FB. So weird that the dizzy snapped! Maybe it wasn't getting lubricated properly, and friction increased until failure? Either way, I'd be curious to see how a new dizzy will help. Have you been able to source one?

[85GTSvert]

Not yet. They certainly aren’t cheap, but I’m more disappointed there is no denso option available whether new or remanned. At least I got my camry back up and out of the garage in time to get the vert back in. Any recommendation is welcome before I just go with whatever  from rock.

[danf]

I had an Accord about 20 years ago that had the bearings go and it was squealing like a banshee. If an owner ignores that I'm pretty sure that would cause the distributor to seize up and snap.

Another thing that happens is the bearings wear out and the little tooth that drives the igniter doesn't work very well because it ovals out.

[ozzie]

You should be able to use any 22RE dizzy from '85-95, so I'd look for used pickup/4runner ones on ebay.