1992 Toyota MR2 Car not starting!

JULIE.SWANZY

MEMBER
1992 TOYOTA MR2

Electrical problem
1992 Toyota MR2 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual

After changing valve stem guides the car started no problem. Started again to ensure head gasket wasn't blowing. Next time we started it the engine wouldn't turn over and smoke appeared from starter motor area and battery area in front of car. Turned ignition key off but ignition lights stayed on very dimly. Pulled earth strap off from battery. Didn't blow 40A fuse. Since then, everytime you go to start the car the ignition light will dim when ignition is turned off. Have checked wiring loom as far as possible and all looks fine. Have replaced starter motor and starter relay but fault persists. Could this be ignition switch or an earth problem? Is there any way to test either of these?

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi julie,

Thank you for the donation.

The initial problem should be a bad ground or a faulty starter.

Use a jumper cable to connect between the battery negative terminal and engine block to test.

Another ground should be between the battery terminal and vehicle body.

Have you tested the battery condition?

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Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 AT 8:37 AM

JULIE.SWANZY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks very much! Have just found out that it was a broken ground / earth wire (the big one from the gearbox!). Car now starts and runs! However, the alternator / battery dash light stays on but getting a full charge through the guage. One of the engine warning lights (take to Toyota dealer) is staying on and one doesn't light up at all. Thanks again for your very prompt reply. Julie

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Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 AT 11:37 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

If it is the Check Engine Light that is showing, one of the sensors of the engine management system has malfunctioned and you need to retrieve the trouble codes to find out what is causing it.

As to the charging indicator light showing with charging in working order, recheck the fuses. If all fuses are good, the bad ground strap could have caused a current surge and damaged the alternator circuit.

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Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 AT 11:44 AM