Reset check engine light

Tiny
CHRISTINESTCLAIRE
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 LEXUS RX 330
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
Reset by disconnecting black battery cable. Battery is one week old. Drove about nine miles and when I turned the car off the electrical just shut down immediately, didn't even let the steering wheel go up all the way. Started up again about ten minutes later and had to gun the engine to not stall. Left her running during the next couple stops covering about five miles. Check engine and variable speed control lights have now come back on. Next stop I tuned it off. Same issue. Started okay, thirty minutes later and drove fine. Drove twelve miles and again electrical just turned off immediately in garage. Alternator was replaced at about 180,000 and I'd driven about five miles when these two lights popped on. Called my mechanic immediately and he said don't worry about it. Now I find out I've been driving without valuable safety systems for two and a half years! Current mechanic says it's an emissions issue. Running Cateclean through it now to possibly solve the issue inexpensively. Puzzled about the electrical at this point and called to get her in. Thoughts guys?
Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 AT 9:52 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey CHRISTINESTCLAIRE,

The first step will be to check the fault codes you have stored for the check engine light/variable speed control issue.

If you can report back with the codes you have that would be great.

In regards to the steering wheel not returning on shut down it sounds like an accessory power supply issue. Does the radio shut down straight away/other accessories that used to stay on? Could be as easy as a blown fuse.

If the dash lights came on very soon after the alternator replacement and had not been on before it may be linked. I would say if it is the same shop that did the alternator now looking at the issue make sure they check that wiring is routed correctly and ensure it is not something they affected with the alternator repair.

Regards, Joe
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Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
CHRISTINESTCLAIRE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi Joe,
I don’t know the code. Considering getting one of those readers. Suggestion on those?
Everything just shuts down so I will check the fuse. Makes sense.

Yes, litteraly just left the garage when those lights went on and I called and told them I was turning around and coming back. Was told not to worry about it and tape pictures of hubs and kids over them if it bothered me. Seriously!

Different mechanic at different garage says code is emissions issue with O2 sensor. Suggested the Cataclean route before getting into more expense.

Love the vehicle and willing to keep her up but hate overpaying or getting scammed.

You’ve been super helpful!
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Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 AT 2:18 PM
Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey CHRISTINESTCLAIRE,

Below is link to a guide to checking fuses.

There should be information in the owners manual as to the fuse board locations, if not let me know i will find the information for you.

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

Can you ask the mechanic that recently checked the codes and suggested Cataclean what codes where present or do you have a record of this?

If not it should not be expensive for a shop to check the codes for you. It is a very quick process.

Regards, Joe
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Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 AT 6:06 PM

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