Check engine and battery lights turn on and engine will not stay running?

Tiny
SEERAM
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 TOYOTA AVENSIS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 126,234 MILES
When I turned my car ignition on the check engine and battery light comes on, then when I start the car up the engine runs for 2 seconds and shuts down. Then the Check Engine and Battery light does not come on when I tried to restart the car engine it doesn't start.
Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 AT 4:05 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,149 POSTS
I have seen a bad alternator cause this problem by having a bad diode so it will charge AC voltage. To check for this, you can remove the drive belt and start the engine to see if it runs longer, here is how the job is done in the images below. Also, can I ask if the security light is flashing? Please only run the engine for a short time so it doesn't overheat.

This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

Check out the images (below). Please upload videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
SEERAM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, I did disconnect the belt and tried it car the engine still wouldn't run. The security light goes off when I insert the key and turn it to the ACC position. I also check all the fuses battery power and ground cable rear engine ground main ground 2 kick panel ground. One more thing I have only the valet key which I have been using. Could that be any issue, but the security light goes off when I inserted it and turn to ACC position. What is my next step?
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Thursday, December 28th, 2023 AT 2:59 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,149 POSTS
I would try to crank the engine over and see if the security light flashes. Using the valet key might matter, do you have a main key and what happens if you use it? Can you please upload a short video from your phone of the problem? You can upload it here in your response. Also, lets run the codes which can help us as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Thursday, December 28th, 2023 AT 10:48 AM

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