Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1990 Toyota Tercel DX, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Spark Check
- On Tercel, disconnect spark plug wires. Remove spark plugs. Connect spark plugs to each spark plug wire. Ground spark plugs.
- On Pickup, disconnect high-tension (coil) wire from distributor. Hold wire about 1/2" away from ground.
- On all models, crank engine and check for spark. If spark does not occur, check ignition coil, ignitor and distributor connections.
- If connections are good, check high-tension wire resistance. If resistance is not within specification, replace wires. See IGNITION HIGH-TENSION WIRE RESISTANCE table. If wires are okay and no spark is present, go to IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE CHECK .
IGNITION HIGH-TENSION WIRE RESISTANCE
| Application | Ohms |
|---|---|
| All Models | 25,000 Max. Per Wire |
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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