Well, hi all, this is my first post, been browsing audio section for a while, but this is the first time ive been really confused and needed help :doubt:

Car is 96 TS/TR(not sure which) 2.6l Fuel injected 4.

Was driving at 80 on freeway(yes im a learner:redface: ) and engine warning(Check Engine) light came on, stayed on for maybe 30 secs, then went off, no noticeable noises or changes in cars performance... 4/5 days earlier the car cut out twice while idling, and its tends to stutter a bit usually while idling, anyone got any suggestions? i'm not much good with cars, especially ECU controlled fuel injected engines so would appreciate simple-ish replies...thanks in advance :D

Sounds like the fuel relay, could also be the altenator. (Symptons you have described is how the fuel relay goes, but the altenator could be struggling, do the lights Dim at all or fade?)

When the car cut out did the rev metre just die? Could be ISC, ECU.

Has it cut out since then? Has the light come up since then?

Sounds like the fuel relay, could also be the altenator. (Symptons you have described is how the fuel relay goes, but the altenator could be struggling, do the lights Dim at all or fade?)

When the car cut out did the rev metre just die? Could be ISC, ECU.

Has it cut out since then? Has the light come up since then?

Lights are and were fine, no dips/cutouts(had them on at the time the warning light came on, but not when the car cut out)

I'm leaning towards something to do with fuel flow issues/ISC because it does tent to idle roughly for a while before sitting at 800rpm (e.g. Reverse up driveway, stop, put into neutral, will drop down to say 400/500, then slowly climb back up to 800) Same thing happened when it cut out, it just didnt climb back up to 800 :doubt:

p.s. I'm gonna go try find out what the engine light was for using the diagnostic code checks, so hopfully i'll know more in a while. Also planning to run it down to near empty, and then fill it up with premium fuel(think its 95octane?) and see if that makes a difference to idling.

I thought the battery light comes on when theres an alternator problem?

""premium"" fuel, emphasis on the "s, is not going to make a difference in any way
it doesnt help the car run better or clean ur engine, its all a marketing ploy & misconception. its just higher octane for cars that need it.

the idle problem will be an issue with the idle speed controller, its a common thing on 2nd gen 4cyls. Especially the autos, when in gear the trans steals alot of power and it struggles and dies. If you do a search you'll see other ppl with the same idle issues

the engine light could be and most probably will be a separate issue to the idle problems. If its only come on once, i wouldnt worry about it for now. when it pops up again, look into it.

If the eng light stays on, get it to a mechanic and see if they can tell what code it comes up as and then work from there.

id clean and check all electrical connections...

Been looking at possible causes, workshop manual has info on how you can test to see whats engine check code is coming up, and that indicates theres a problem with the ECU, though i'm hoping this is something minor :doubt:

I'm thinking theres definitely something wrong with the ISC, did the basic tests they suggest which is cold start, run up to normal temp, the turn air con on max, use power steering, etc. And that shows a definite drop in RPM so at some stage when i can be screwed i'll do the voltage checks on the ISC and see if i can find anything there

P.S. Is it possible that the ICU will register an error if it consistently trying to get a faulty piece of equipment(ISC) to work? possible incorrect voltage levels? anything along those lines that could cause it do think theres something wrong?


id clean and check all electrical connections... I think most electrics were checked when the car was serviced when we bought it. (basic wiring checks, spark plugs checked etc.) not sure about being cleaned, i'll have to check with my dad what they actually did.

I thought the battery light comes on when theres an alternator problem?


Mine did.

It could be that your is set to low also, mine 'died' a few times as it wasnt sent correctly, the car couldnt hold the revs. Turning the control up to the correct speed and now the car is still running from 6 months ago. No wonder I had bad vibrations, i didnt even notice the car was struggling on the idle gauge, talk about not taking notice.

mm, might try adjust the base idle at some stage, see if that helps. It seems a little bit better after just taking the ISC off, cleaning it and its electrical contacts, Had what looked like a little bit of carbon build up on it, but i reckon that would be normal for a 12 year old car :)

Sounds like the voltage regulator on the alternator for the battery light going on and off. Mine had same problem and I have the same model as you so could well be.

Sorry to bring up old thread but did you get this issue fixed?

If the light only comes on when your on the highway points towards an o2 sensor.

EDIT: A year old........crap i looked thinkin it was like a month old

check that the terminals are on tight. especially the ground. i'm getting this, partially because i'm not using the correct battery :doubt: