2001 Toyota Corolla "Random" Stallling / Blackout

PURPLESIGN

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA COROLLA

Electrical problem
2001 Toyota Corolla Front Wheel Drive Automatic 96000 miles

My car losses electric power periodically.

Symptoms: When it losses all electric power the lights go off, clocks resets, if the car is parked - it can not be shifted to neutral unless the override is pushed in (because it needs the computer) etc. Sometimes when this happens while the car is moving the motor is able to continue, other times everything comes to a stand still and the car stalls.

When does it happen: There is no exact fact pattern, but the following conditions are sometimes present - running the car for more than 2 hours within the past few hours - stop and go traffic - It has also happened a few times while I am shutting down or starting the car (turning the key).

How does it start up again: Sometimes it comes to life by itself after a few minutes. Usually I have to open the hood, and jiggle the red battery terminal at which point the alarm / lights will usually come to life.

What has been done so far: I got a new battery and new alternator. The battery terminals have been cleaned.

What I've been told: Something is drawing too much electric.

Any ideas are appreciated!

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,883 POSTS

Hi, it sounds like you have a bad battery or connection. Check it and get back to me.

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Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 6:59 PM

PURPLESIGN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for your quick reply.

Since this issue started, I've replaced both the battery and alternator - Unfortunatly, the car still seems to have this electrical issue.

After that, I had my mechanic clean the terminals and check the connection.

From the fact that it comes back to life when I jiggle a wire, it seems like it might be a connection issue, but I'm not sure what to change if the terminals are clean.

Not sure if this is unrelated - drivers window on occasion will go down but can not go up for about 5 minutes. When I try a bit later it will go up again.