Engine started funny, check engine light on and it shut off while driving?

CLETOJONES78

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA AVALON
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
200,830 MILES

My car started funny then the ABS, check engine and battery lights all came on. Turned the car off when I got home, and it wouldn’t start again. I had the alternator tested and it came back good. I had the battery tested and it was bad. Replaced the battery and it drove good for a couple days. Check engine light came back on. The next day it shut off again on my way to work. Had very little power and wouldn’t start. It has enough power to turn on the interior lights when I turn the key. Just won’t start.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

Is the starter engaging? If not, it sounds like a very weak battery. Do this simple load test and let me know the results.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

If the battery is weak, the alternator isn't charging. When you had the alternator tested, was it on the vehicle or was it removed, and bench tested by a parts store?

Next, if the battery fails the load test, we need to recharge it. Once it is charged, I need you to check the alternator output. This, too, is simple and only requires a voltmeter or multimeter.

Here is a link that explains how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Let me know if you are comfortable doing this. Also, just FYI, when the new battery was installed, it was strong and charged. It ran the vehicle for two days. If the alternator isn't charging, the battery was slowly drained until you got to this point.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe