1992 SC400 won't run, need help.

Sean · Lexus Owner Joined: Feb 23, 2006 Posts: 5

I have a 1992 SC400 that I bought about 5 days ago. The alt died after 4 days and I swapped in a new one myself. The car ran fine and I think this is unrelated to the issue at hand.

Last night on my way home I floored the car and it began to buck. The engine would rev up to a few k then bog down. The car made it to my driveway about 1/2 mile away but was very unhappy. This morning I went out to drive my car and it started normally, back out of the driveway normally and then when I put it in drive, bogged really bad and died. I started it, it made it to the end of the street barely...revving sluggishly and wanting to die while I had my foot all the way in it. At the end of the street it died permanently. If I crank it it sometimes starts for a split second, gets to idle rpm and slowly falls down running lumpy as hell. Holds at 250 rpm for a sec then dies. Other times it won't start at all.

There is a CEL. How can I check this? Is the car obd1 or 2? I assume 1...

It has consistent spark, at leats on the driver side bank. The plugs are fuel soaked but that could be the effect of what ever is keeping it from running, not the cause. Timing belt looks normal and fully tensioned.

The problem appears to be less severe after sitting for several hours? Not sure about that but I think so.

What should happen if you unplug the air meter and start the car? Will they idle?

Sean · Lexus Owner Joined: Feb 23, 2006 Posts: 5

I scanned it. it has the following errors codes:

24. Intake Air Temperature Sensor signal
31. Air Flow Meter signal (Vacuum Sensor signal)

Any Ideas?

SC3crT · Lexus Owner Joined: Mar 06, 2006 Posts: 15

stavros · Lexus Owner Joined: May 01, 2006 Posts: 9

I wouldnt think the alternator would couse problems like that but i could see how the IAT and air flow meter signal could cause your Lexus to run very rich. Your plugs might be soaked because those parts have failed.