Will not stay running

Tiny
MGHAN2059
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 LEXUS RX 330
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Okay, yesterday I was driving on the highway, and the light flashed on the dash board then went black. Only the abs brakes, Trac off, and VSC lights were on, then the car was have troubles accelerating so I pull to the side and parked then the car shut off. I got it jumped started didn't make it very far, so we ended up replacing the battery, and then hooked it up to the computer and it said the alternator was going out. So I also replaced the alternator. Today my car was released from the mechanics, and on the way home as I stopped to turn down my road my car felt like it was trying to shut off, (also I couldn't roll down any of the windows except the driver's) and then I pulled into my driveway where my car completely turned off. I turned it back and it started, but after a few seconds it shut off again. After about an hour I turned it on again it lasted a little bit longer but still shut off. The rpm on my dashboard is practically at zero.
Saturday, April 6th, 2019 AT 3:48 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

This can be related to many different things. If the check engine light is staying on, you should have the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. That will point us in the right direction. Here is a quick video that shows how it is done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but most parts stores will do it for you free. Or, they may even rent a scanner.

Next, if the idle is very low but the vehicle starts right back up, you may even have a vacuum leak or there could be a problem with fuel pressure or the crankshaft position sensor. Here are links that show describe what I am talking about, what the symptoms can be and how these things are checked:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-crank-shaft-angle-sensor-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

_______________________________________

Let me know if any of this helps or if you have questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, April 6th, 2019 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,408 POSTS
Cleaning out the throttle body should take care of the idle issue. When the battery was disconnected the values went to default so if the throttle has carbon build up it will cause the low idle and stalling. Very common problem after a dead battery or battery replacement.

As for the windows, again after a battery disconnect you need to initialize all windows and sunroof. To initialize the windows go to the passenger door. Roll the window all the way down with the passenger window switch. Roll it back up by you holding the button in the up position. When the glass goes all the way up keep holding the switch for 5 seconds. Let go then hit the switch down like auto down and back up as auto up. Do the same for the rear doors individually using the switch for that door to initialize each window.

If you have a sunroof try this. Key on engine off.

RESET SLIDING ROOF MOTOR (STANDARD TYPE)

a. The sliding roof may not operate automatically and the jam protection function will not function correctly after you reconnect, replace or recharge the battery. In any of these cases, reset the sliding roof system using the following method.
1. Push and hold the slide switch toward the front or tilt switch on the rear side.
2. Check that the sliding roof will tilt up and down, or slide open and close.
3. After the slide operation, release the switch.
4. Make sure that the sliding roof opens and closes automatically.

HINT: If the battery terminal is disconnected, the ECU of the sliding roof motor may not detect the position of the sliding roof. If the AUTO operation function is still disabled even after the sliding roof motor is reset, the hall IC (built in the sliding roof motor assy) for detecting the roof glass position may be malfunctioning.

Let us know if this helps or you need further assistance with initializing the windows or sunroof.
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Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 AT 11:44 PM

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