RX Shuts down after car wash on engine
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
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From: Colorado
RX Shuts down after car wash on engine
1st time writing on the forum. I have followed many threads from helpful members in the past year. This is a bit unusual. My Daughter's 99 RX300 AWD Had a bank 2 sensor 1 code and a misfire cylinder 3 code. I replaced the air fuel sensor by the radiator and the mileage went from 13 to 18 mpg. I then replaced the coil on #3 (fun spot to work on). The RX ran great and I was getting 22 mpg. I went to the car wash and washed off the engine compartment, replaced the vanity cover, and drove approx 25 miles and the car stopped running at an intersection. Towed it home and it turns over but will not start. Any Ideas? I hoped to contribute a fix on my 1st posting, but looking for help. Thank you, 99 RX 300.
Last edited by mpewters; Apr 17, 2013 at 07:41 PM. Reason: misspell
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
There is little point is stating the obvious that one should not wash engine compartment. Always use compressed air.
You can still use compressed air to blow away pooled water (if any).
Usually with 25miles of driving moisture evaporates due to heat.
I would take out lug #2 and lay it on the top of the head and see if there is spark as you crank the engine.
Salim
You can still use compressed air to blow away pooled water (if any).
Usually with 25miles of driving moisture evaporates due to heat.
I would take out lug #2 and lay it on the top of the head and see if there is spark as you crank the engine.
Salim
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 16
From: Ca.
1st time writing on the forum. I have followed many threads from helpful members in the past year. This is a bit unusual. My Daughter's 99 RX300 AWD Had a bank 2 sensor 1 code and a misfire cylinder 3 code. I replaced the air fuel sensor by the radiator and the mileage went from 13 to 18 mpg. I then replaced the coil on #3 (fun spot to work on). The RX ran great and I was getting 22 mpg. I went to the car wash and washed off the engine compartment, replaced the vanity cover, and drove approx 25 miles and the car stopped running at an intersection. Towed it home and it turns over but will not start. Any Ideas? I hoped to contribute a fix on my 1st posting, but looking for help. Thank you, 99 RX 300.
(You actually have to be careful with using compressed air even because in the wrong place the static electricity generated by the compressed air can also cause damage to electronic components)
Last edited by code58; Apr 18, 2013 at 02:28 AM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Thank you for stating the obvious . I learned the hard way, different from the cars of the 70s and 80s. Will view the ciol on 3 after pulling it to see. Thank you, (all washed up).
There is little point is stating the obvious that one should not wash engine compartment. Always use compressed air.
You can still use compressed air to blow away pooled water (if any).
Usually with 25miles of driving moisture evaporates due to heat.
I would take out lug #2 and lay it on the top of the head and see if there is spark as you crank the engine.
Salim
You can still use compressed air to blow away pooled water (if any).
Usually with 25miles of driving moisture evaporates due to heat.
I would take out lug #2 and lay it on the top of the head and see if there is spark as you crank the engine.
Salim
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
RX ran for a day. No spark now.
RX ran awesome and started a day after my post. Then died at an intersection again. No Spark on the #2 lug. With key on I moved the wire harness above the timing belt cover . I heard a click by the battery, so I tried to start the car and it ran for a few min. Shut down again. Lug #2 no spark, tried moving harness gently and no restart. Checked all connections around the area I previously worked on: #3lug coil replacement, changed out O2 sensor (bank 2 sensor 1). No CEL after that. Washed engine then recurring engine shutdown, now shut down. Thank you for the (check for spark idea... no spark. All washed up...
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
Next logical place to look would be swap the ignition coil ... check 12v on the + termial
Camshaft position sensor
crankshaft position sensor
ECM
Salim
Camshaft position sensor
crankshaft position sensor
ECM
Salim
Last edited by salimshah; Apr 22, 2013 at 09:15 PM.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Not Grounded
Thank you all for the help. 99 RX runs great found a ground wire I did not put back on the manifold. That is why it shut down. Now getting a 0420 for catalyst. I do not have to pass an emission test here. I am now getting 23 mpg. Is the Cat a major concern? Thank you, back on the road.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 16
From: Ca.
Thank you all for the help. 99 RX runs great found a ground wire I did not put back on the manifold. That is why it shut down. Now getting a 0420 for catalyst. I do not have to pass an emission test here. I am now getting 23 mpg. Is the Cat a major concern? Thank you, back on the road.
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