I suggest that you get a second opinion on your car from a mechanic who is NOT recommended by your current one. The only expensive distributor repair would be if the drive gear or shaft broke, which I have never heard of happening on a Toyota Corolla.

Well, I was driving down the road and it just...Died. Wouldn't start up again. I ended up hitch-hiking back to the house at 3 AM.

Larry looked it over and did some troubleshooting, and he said it was the distributor... Then a couple days later I had it towed into the known cheapest shop in town, and when he looked at it he confirmed the distributor theory...

It's gonna be 175$ for the distributor, repair, and tow. Which may not be too expensive, but for me right now that's allot. *Sighs* I shoulda never left Madisonville...But that's another story entirely.

I'll probably go back there with my tail tucked between my legs and ask to stay again. I was always a big help to them and didn't step on any toes, but I doubt I'll get Rob's room again. I do kinda miss Rob too.

Exactly what broke? If something breaks in a distributor, it is usually cheap like the rotor, cap, points, or shaft bearing.

Ask them to promise in writing that they will return all the old parts to you that they replace. Any legit place will do that.

I was told it was the coil? I think that's what was said. *nods*

You can get a new coil for $25 to $50 at NAPA or Pep Boy's or AutoZone and anyone who can use a screwdriver and a pliers can change it in a few minutes.

ah. what foxystallion said. additionally, distributor and ignition coil atre entirely different parts although both have to work together to provide the ignition parts.
It's not fair to blame the distributor when in fact it's the coil before a customer who has no clue.
aside that, I hope it works out for you pretty soon. either the return, or the repair. hey, you can do it yourself if you have the tools nearby, just don't confuse the connections and all is well afterwards. hopefully. your car's onboard tools might suffice, even.

Exactly right! The coil is very easy to change. There are only three wires:
1) the big fat high voltage wire - it simply pulls out of the old coil and plugs in to the new one. Be sure that you push it back in all the way.
2) two smaller wires, usually held in place by screws or small nuts - one goes to the distributer (to the points), the other goes to the car wiring harness. Which is which will be labeled in some way on the coil. Note which wire goes to what symbol on the old coil before removing it and replacing it with the new one. Changing a coil is easier than changing a tire.

finding out is the tricky thing. I once had an old Mercedes SL who refused to start. until I saw that the ignition spark went across the coil instead through the wire when I bend over it to check something else... by accident, sotosay. :)

Yes diagnosing the problem is usually the hardest part, and on the newer cars with computer controlled fuel injection it can be impossible without a lot of expensive diagnostic equipment. Fortunately, Sabby has an old simple easy to maintain and fix car like I do.

Sabby, your digital art is outstanding. You or your boyfriend can replace the coil and save your new computer. Honest, I've done it myself, but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to do it.

*seconds Foxy's plead*

*thirds Anbessa's plea*

I do hope this works out...
I want to thank you for the website you posted. I got a video up too now and I'm really greatful to you for it.


Bless and take care, Steele.