1992, 170kmi, Stalls When Driven For 5 Min.

clarkQ · February 24, 2010

I have several problems with my car, but this is the one keeping me from getting to point B without shifting into neutral and revving my engine while trying to brake. My OD off light flashes on my dash, not in any particular pattern. My speedometer has been showing approx half the speed that I am traveling for at least 7000 miles, and has now been non-responsive in collection with my car stalling when warm.

The car starts and idles fine (aprox. 800rpm.) After driving for maybe a couple blocks, it idles much lower (4-500rpm), and driving much more than that will cause it to stall at idle. I DO hear subtle clicks coming from behind my glove box when I press on the accelerator and release it... around where the computer (brain?) is... Ive had that replaced once for $300 with a used one from a junk yard, about 10,000mi ago.

Ive had the stalling issues before, but found a crack in my distributor, and changed that about 6000 miles ago, and a cracked air intake duct, and have duct taped that, because I cant order that part from any store around here. Its been fine since. I figured maybe the duct tape is now leaking and replaced it, still the problem presists.

I ordered a speed sensor from discount auto parts, and they sent me one that had two electric receivers in the connector, and mine has 3. I took it back. I cant find a repair manual for my car, none of the shops around me have a computer tester to check my codes for my check engine light (been on for a knock sensor since forever)... I looked at one in the store for a 92 camry, and saw that they have 2 speed sensors, and a ABS wheel sensor? I could only find one on my lexus transmission though, and it did not match the part ordered by Discount auto. I refuse to get bent over by a Lexus or toyota dealer...

Should I start with the basics? Spark plugs, spark plug wires, vacuum hoses? The car misses some times, but i have a feeling this is probably something a little more deep than fouled plugs or wires... remember, it starts and idles FINE. I am thinking it may have something to do with my blinking OD off light, since it started indicating a problem when my car started to stall out... and my computer possibly getting confused with the bad speed sensor or relay, or whatever my blinking light is trying to indicate, and stalling my car out...

What do you guys think?

in summary, stalls when warm, no speedometer, OD light blinks some times, speedometer sparratic other times, clicking behind glove box (near computer)

George_Jetson · February 25, 2010

First I would get rid of the duct tape, You can buy a new intake duct online for around $20. You are asking for problems when you rely on this type or repair. After that you need to check the basics, just because the car can idle means very little. Things like bad hoses, spark plugs and wires will cause far too many problems.

Next I would check for codes, you do not need any special tools to do this. There is a connector underneath the hood, you short E1 to TE2, then turn on the ignition (do not start the car). The check engine light will flash the codes. Other people on the bd have done good writeups, do a search for further descriptions.

As far as the speed sensor, there are actually two located on the transmission, the one with two terminals in the connector is use by the ECM to monitor the transmission. The other sensor (near the differential) has three terminals, and is the one that supplies the signal for the speedometer and also the ECM (used to determine fuel delivery, spark advance). It sounds like the discount parts store that you went to is pretty lame, I would suggest looking for another one. A decent store should have had at least one person behind the counter that could have told you that OBDI engines do not have special codes readers. Most people just use a paper clip, and anyone with a little experience should have been able to tell you that.

clarkQ · March 2, 2010

Thanks a million George Jetson!!! Ill do the paper clip test, get rid of the duct tape, and check and change (if needed) my plugs, and plug wires which Ive been told are still factory. They probably need to be replaced. Ill post back with results.