Engine and electrical suddenly stopped working

1998 TOYOTA RAV4
240,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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ROBERT STIEHA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
We have the vehicle listed above 5 speed with ABS, and sits for several month. After a heavy snowfall yesterday I started it, let it warm up then made several up and down the driveway to pack the snow and clean off the car. At one point I hit the brakes to force snow off the car and the engine and electrical system stopped working. Won’t start, no lights, no flashers. I thought maybe the anti lock brakes blew some critical fuse.
Oct 27, 2020 at 1:45 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that nothing works indicates total loss of power. The ABS wouldn't have caused that.

First, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Also, since the vehicle was sitting for several months, open the hood and confirm none of the wires around the battery have been damaged by mice or other animals.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

If everything appears good and the terminals are clean and tight, it's unlikely, but something in the battery could have shorted. So I need you to check for power from the battery using a multimeter or a voltmeter. Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Oct 27, 2020 at 7:18 AM
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