What would cause BOTH Ignition Coils to go out at the same time and not give spark to either one of the Distributor caps. (there is 2 distributor caps and 2 ignition coils on the car)?

I was having problems with my car, it would sometimes start and turn right off i would have to start it again and give it gas to keep it on. one day it wouldnt turn on anymore I towed it into a shop he took out the spark plugs torched them to unflood them it started right up. for 3 days it would turn on with him so i brought it home. the next day no start, a cpl days later my Father and I further tested the car. We came to find out that the Distributor caps Sometimes get a spark from the ignition coils. What we did was take the wire out of the distributor cap and test for spark NO SPARK. After giving the car some time we tested for Spark Again and not only did we get a spark but the car fired right up. (keep in mind the car just started on 4 outta the 8 spark plugs). We turned the car off and plug the wire back into the Distributor cap, and the car started right up again.

1990 Lexus LS400

THANK YOU
SAM

 

Honestly, sounds like you let it go so long you just killed both coils...

The other alternative, and I'm not sure if that car has it, but the igniter could be bad... Toyota uses igniters in most of its vehicles, an igniter is sometimes known as an ignition control module... Would be worthwhile to look into it...

Also, sounds like whoever has been looking at the car hasn't been the most knowledgeable... A good tech should be able to tell you what's wrong given an hour or two diagnostic time....

 

When I took it to a shop they did not do further testing because the car started up with them. I have been working on the car in my backyard with my father. I guess now its just guess and play. I have to test the crank and the cam poss sensor to see if one or the other is bad. that could not send power to the ignitor