94 Camry won't start

[sticki_wickit]

My 94 Camry died on the road after driving about 3 miles. The starter is new and turns the engine over but without any ignition. I don't know if it is not getting any fuel or if it is lacking spark. No warnings up until this point. The car just died, no response when stepping on accelerator. Once of to the side of the road would not restart. Does not ven try to kick over just the engine revolutions by the starter drive.


Please help

[Joe W]

You have to perform some basic checks. To check spark, pull one of the plug wires off of a spark plug, hold it close to a metal part of the engine while someone cranks the engine. You should see a strong blue spark. An easy check for the fuel pump is to take off the gas cap and put your ear next to the opening while someone turns the key to on. You should hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds.

[RIP]

Since this was 3 weeks ago you've probably got it fixed by now. If not, as JoeW said, check for spark and fuel. If you've got both, what's left? Timing! The identical thing happened to me years ago. The identical thing happened to my daughter last year. In both cases the timing belt broke. How can you tell if it's broke? Next to opening up the cover (Black-left end of engine) and looking at it, try listening closely to the engine as it cranks when trying to start. If the belt is broken the valve train (top half of the engine) won't be turning. The engine should crank slightly faster and sound different. I had one break on a Dodge years ago in England. That's how I determined the belt broke. Not sure if you'll be able to hear that on a Camry but, try it. Now if the belt just slipped severely enough to keep it from starting, the timing should be out to lunch. Check it with a timing light. Let us know what you found please. Seems like half the threads I answer I'm talking about timing belts!

[Brian R.]

See the FAQ thread:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...13&postcount=5

and

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...5&postcount=32