Loss of electrical power while driving

MARNIE HARRISON LEJEUNE

MEMBER
2000 TOYOTA AVALON
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
155,000 MILES

My husband was driving the car and the headlights and dash lights were all flickering. I was driving and the car suddenly lost electrical power on the interstate for a few seconds then it came back. Everything in the car was reset like the battery had been disconnected. Battery is new and charged alternator is recently refurbished and not too long ago the water pump and radiator failed and over heated the car. Everything that failed has Been replaced, Mechanic says the engine runs great and transmission is good. What do I check now?

3 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good evening,

A couple things come to mind.

Battery cables. They need to be clean and tight. If they are not, low voltage could result which is what it sounds like happened.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

2. Charging system problem.The charging system needs to be checked. You need 14 to 14.5 volts. also, need to have for any AC voltage. If there is the alternator is no good.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

3. Ignition switch. It is in common for all the systems that failed. It needs to be checked to see if the connector has any burned or loose pins.

Roy

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Friday, November 30th, 2018 AT 3:15 PM

MARNIE HARRISON LEJEUNE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

If this helps narrow it down, today the car was parked and off and did not have power to the locks or lights. I opened the hood and slammed it back shut and the alarm came on and power came back. Just a loose wire or cable somewhere? Should I just start by cleaning the battery cables?

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Sunday, December 2nd, 2018 AT 8:07 PM

ASEMASTER6371