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01 e300 electrical problems

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Old Jul 28, 2015 | 10:49 AM
  #1  
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layne14
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Default 01 e300 electrical problems

hi so we have a 2001 lexus e300 that has some severe electrical issues. brand new battery, alternator has been checked 5 times and passed. when you jump it with the jump pack as soon as you remove the jump pack it starts surging. you go to drive it and if you mildy accelerate it dies. all accessories work on the car and when its running and you turn them on it surges but stays running for about 5 min and then dies. anyone have a clue what the problem is? or must i start chasing wires? if this has happened to you please HELP!!!
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Old Jul 28, 2015 | 10:57 AM
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layne14
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and it is not the memory seat switch
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Old Jul 28, 2015 | 01:28 PM
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You have to start with the very basics.

1- With the engine off, measure your battery voltage.

2- Measure your battery voltage at idle and at 2.000 rpm

3- Look for check engine codes in memory


Or, bring it to Autozone and they'll do all of the above for you free of charge. Including checking your charging system and battery under load.

Last edited by PFB; Jul 28, 2015 at 02:14 PM.
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Old Jul 28, 2015 | 03:11 PM
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Hey, sorry to hear about your troubles.

I have alot of automotive electrical experience, I literally wrote a book on it.

My thoughts are this is a job for a professional. But like others said, start with the basic's, check the earth connections from the battery to the body, and body to the engine. Replace those, with brand new cables. Then check the condition of power cables, the main ones. Replace the battery terminals.

Once that's done, I recommend visiting an automotive electrician, and making it their problem to solve. It sounds like there is a serious short circuit in the main harness, that can lead to a fire, it's just a guess, but it would explain the lack of available power to run the car's systems.

Also, if you have a custom stereo system, disconnect the power to the amplifier, if that's run through the firewall.
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