94 camry le, starts and runs fine until the cel comes on. When it does the car dies, has no power, almost like in limp mode. Was told it was a control module. It only happened randomly and when it goes off, the car is fine again. Any ideas on what could be causing this or where to start looking to find out what it is.

 

Dies or has no power?

The cars electronics has its own build in diagnostic system. Search the internet for this.

Could be the ign coil. If it is the control module Ebay sells used ones for very low cost. Get the exact same part number as on the current one! The module has the part number on it in large letters.

 

Would the ign coil cause me to have loss of power when the cel comes on. I don't have any other gear except reverse when cel comes on. I can take off it L but going into 2nd and Drive I only have to about 1700rpm.

 

Are you stating the engine performs OK when in reverse?

The car has its own diagnostic system. When the check light is on, diagnose the system to get any codes.

Yes. An ign coil having issues can result in the check light coming on. When the ign issue goes away the check light goes out. Very common.

 

Yes, when the cel comes on the only gear I can move in is reverse, and quite well. I haven't been able to drive the car to get dtc. I live quite literally in the middle of nowhere. If the cel comes on and I get stuck I may be stuck for hours. There is no cell service between where I live and the next town. I'll check the ign coil as a start to know where to go from there, thank you

 

Read the info at the link below on retrieving codes for vehicles before 96. One doesn't need a code reader.

https://www.troublecodes.net/Toyota/

 

Yes, using the diagnostics port in the upper left of the engine bay, jumping TE1 to E1. That's great and all only if the cel comes on in my driveway, if not then I run the possibility of being stranded in the middle of bum **** nowhere. I have about an hour drive to civilization once I leave and it usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to happen. Thanks I had already tried it before. However until it happens I can't check it. Thank you though, I appreciate your help and information.

 

Ign coils are low cost. Change it.

If you think its the igniter or ECU Ebay has low cost used parts.

https://www.camryforums.com/forum/ge...driving-38175/