Car just suddenly died while driving.Need help with diagnosis
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Car just suddenly died while driving.Need help with diagnosis
While making a right turn the car just dies.almost causing an accident!
I put the hazard on and threw it N to try for a quick restart.got nothing just clicks.
put it in P and same thing ..finally got out and push the car to a gas station.
thankfully two ladies got out their car and helped.
while i was sitting at the gas station i kept trying to start it but, all it did was click and click..
after 10min of trying finally it started.threw it in D and i hear the a ding ding.
look at the dash and saw that the check engine light and the VSCoff lights are on ,and the status says check VSC
any ideas on problem or problems im having.your help would be much appreciated! ...oh car is a 2000 ls400 150k miles
I put the hazard on and threw it N to try for a quick restart.got nothing just clicks.
put it in P and same thing ..finally got out and push the car to a gas station.
thankfully two ladies got out their car and helped.
while i was sitting at the gas station i kept trying to start it but, all it did was click and click..
after 10min of trying finally it started.threw it in D and i hear the a ding ding.
look at the dash and saw that the check engine light and the VSCoff lights are on ,and the status says check VSC
any ideas on problem or problems im having.your help would be much appreciated! ...oh car is a 2000 ls400 150k miles
#4
Lexus Champion
if this problem persists beyond the possible causes that Pure Drifter mentioned, this could also be a classic case of failing ECU capacitors, but we need more information such as whether any codes are stored and which ones, and whether the transmission or A/C are exhibiting any issues.
you can get the codes read at most chain auto parts stores for free (Autozone, Advance, O'Reilly etc.), or you can buy this scanner for $18 which works great (I own this one and keep it in the car rather than toting my expensive one around)
you can get the codes read at most chain auto parts stores for free (Autozone, Advance, O'Reilly etc.), or you can buy this scanner for $18 which works great (I own this one and keep it in the car rather than toting my expensive one around)
#6
Lexus Champion
bad battery terminal connections and bad grounds can also cause this - the little 2.5 inch long positive (+) battery connection is particularly troublesome where it bolts on to the cable, I replaced mine with the dealership part (about $14) and the Toyota dealer is much cheaper on this than the Lexus dealer.
#7
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If it were me I'd check things out in this order.
1. Check your battery/connections first as that's the easiest place to start, and likely if your starter isn't turning the motor over.
2. Does it start after cleaning the terminals? If not, have the battery tested to verify it's holding a charge.
3. Did the battery test good, and the car starts with the charged battery? If so have the alternator tested. If the battery tested bad replace the battery.
4. With fresh battery the car still isn't starting... check codes, and work from there.
1. Check your battery/connections first as that's the easiest place to start, and likely if your starter isn't turning the motor over.
2. Does it start after cleaning the terminals? If not, have the battery tested to verify it's holding a charge.
3. Did the battery test good, and the car starts with the charged battery? If so have the alternator tested. If the battery tested bad replace the battery.
4. With fresh battery the car still isn't starting... check codes, and work from there.
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