KFCMikeLee

Hello,

My 2013 RX with ab out 60k miles has developed an issue. Today I started it up and idled for about 2-3 min in the garage for the first time today while loading up and all was well until the engine started to stutter and then died. It gave no warning and has no CEL (my mechanic friend will be coming over with his code reader tomorrow afternoon) but I did get a warning on the dash to "check power steering system." I though the battery may be going bad as it was the original, so I went ahead and replaced it with a brand new Interstate but with no luck. It runs and drives fun at speed, but as soon as I come to a stop it sputters and dies, then fires back up fine. I put my multimeter on the battery terminals and I am getting 14.2v so I don't think it's the alternator, has anyone every experienced this? I did find a possible(?) crank position sensor as the culprit, but nothing too conclusive and the steering message is throwing me for a bit of a loop.


Thanks

salimshah

My suspicion is the IACV which controls idle.
Battery problems are most prominent during starting as that is when the battery is stressed.
Alternator problems will typically come with charging light being lit.
CEL light is mostly due to emission issue.
Failing to keep idle is when the bypass air intake [controlled by IACV] is malfunction.

First gen RX has a sticky thread "Having problems start here". IACV is discussed there.

Salim

Nad1370

I dont believe this system has an IACV like the 1st gen's.

Idle is controlled by an Electronic throttle body. ( 2GR's )
If you do have an idling problem, it's most likely to be a throttle body issue.
Usually a weak/sticking motor.

That "check power steering" message, is probably due to a voltage power supply issue that the electronic power steering (EPS) ecu detected when it died idling.
(Key was still in the ON position and voltage couldve drop under specs for the EPS ecu)

RX in NC

I would start by cleaning the Mass Air Flow sensor with the appropriate MAF spray cleaner. I would also pour a 20-ounce bottle of Chevron Techron into the fuel tank to help clean the fuel injection system. Both tasks are easy and cheap to do.

salimshah

Thank you for correction. I certainly need to learn more and keep learning. There has to be a new device that allows fresh air bypass to hold idle. I just need to learn about it. Any pointers for me?

Salim

Nad1370

No worries.
Sorry for the late response.
I didnt want to go off track on the OP's question but it looks like he/she hasnt come back yet.

The electronic throttle control system controls the idle speed and operates the throttle actuator to open and close the throttle valve.
It also adjusts the intake air amount to achieve the target idle speed.
Controlling throttle valve opening at idle looks for inputs from sensors but mainly the ECT.

Throttle body consists of an a actuator motor ( 0 - 5v operating voltage ) and a return spring to set it back to rest.
So my understanding is the throttle plate moves on certain target angles depending on accelerator pedal position.
But operates at 11% angle at idle at normal temps.

Sorry if this info might not be complete.