One day I started my 94 Lexus GS300, it started right away as usual, was idling fine as I was squeeging off the windows, when it suddenly died after idling for about 45 seconds. I tried to restart with no luck. So popped the hood, and found that the center/coil plug on the distributor cap was fried/disintegrated. So I replaced the distributor cap and rotor while I was at it, and plug wires. Still wouldnt start. My mechanic came to look at it, showed me the starter was shorting out, so he towed it to his shop and replaced the starter. Still wouldnt start. We decided to replace the whole distributor, still wont start. Im about done putting money into this car, then someone suggested it could be the ECU?? Would the engine light be coming on if it was the ECU? or an engine code? Does anyone know how to check for engine codes without using the expensive computer? Any suggestions appreciated. I hope everyone is having a good day!!

 

Hello,

What parts did you use?
Does the car even crank at all?

When you took out a distributor, did you mark it in any way? Distributor position is how the Ignition Timing is set, it is best to avoid messing with it as much as possible, now that you replaced a distributor, you will need to get a Timing Light and set your timing before attempting to start the car. Below is a video on the subject, it is a different engine, but the idea is very similar, make sure to look through it carefully, as there is a potential to wreck the engine if you mess it up.


After the timing is set correctly, start with the basics - check that you have spark with a tool like this, if that's good, check that injectors are firing either with a stethoscope or with an LED bulb in place of the connector. Wires don't melt themselves out of the blue, there has to be a very solid reason behind it, like a bad contact somewhere, something like that can very well wreck the Ignition Coil. Below is a video on how to check the Coil and Igniter, this method also determines whether the issue is on the ECU side, or somewhere after the Igniter.


Hope this helps and best of luck!