I have a 1994 2.2 4 cyl. Camry and I was driving down the road and it started missing. It wasn't missing all the time just on and off. I pulled in and shut it off and it wouldn't start. It acted like it wanted to but it would not. I had it towed home. It showed 1/4 tank of gas at the time. I put some more gas in it and it started right up, however, it idles fine for about a minute, then it dies. It does start right back up though. In the last year I have replaced the timing belt, spark plugs, spark plug wires, and coolant sensor. The distributor was replaced 3 years ago. I haven't had time to ohm the distributor yet and will do so as soon as I can. The car was running really good when it started missing. When the distributor went bad 3 years ago it wouldn't do anything....The car has 143,300. I am going to ohm the fuel pump as well. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated. Can the primary coil in the distributor do this? (It is a non California car)

My first thought is that there is water in the gas tank. Try a bottle of Heet or equivalent to reabsorb the water.

Second thought is the fuel filter. No fuel filter worth a damn will last a lifetime, despite what I've read in other posts.

Third, check for clogged PCV, EGR, and IAC valves. Clean if possible (Cheaper!)...replace if necessary.

I don't think the distributor coil is the culprit...it usually either works or it doesn't.

Thanks......I will try all of your suggestions. Will let you know which one fixes it.

I tried everything and car still wouldn't start. On a lark I took the distributor back to Autozone and replaced it and the car runs great again.....It had a lifetime warranty, so the fix was free......Thanks for the help, though! Great forum for DIY and I have saved a ton of money being able to fix things myself because of this forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Once again thanks...

I stand corrected...it could be the coil after all, or it might not have been installed correctly (no offense). We all learn from each other in here!

There seems to be a lot of strange engine behavior on this board that is the fault of the coil. It seems like it is one of the first things to ask people to check.

My belief is that the original coil probably has a life of ~150k miles...not unreasonable. Most of the coil failures also seem to be with this generation Camry and with the 5sfe (2.2 L) engine, which would have significant mileage on them by now.

I would be curious to hear how long the aftermarket coils last compared to the OEM brand.

My belief is that the original coil probably has a life of ~150k miles...not unreasonable.
i agree i replaced mine on the one i sold at 170,000 and i have heard of them going earlier.

Just checked my records...my OEM died at 178k miles.

"Most of the coil failures also seem to be with this generation Camry and with the 5sfe (2.2 L) "

The generation 2 3SFE engines also had a lot of coil failures. They were particularly prone to hairline cracks and would cause problems in wet/damp weather. I never checked to see if the same coil was used in both the 3SFE and the 5SFE engines.

Mike

My oem coil lasted 120K.I replaced the distributor and with an after market from Autozone and it lasted 23K, but it had a lifetime warranty so the replacement was free and very easy to change. Other than the coolant sensor going bad, anytime my car has not run right, its been something to do with the distributor.....