Engine randomly shuts off while driving

Tiny
DAVIDSAINTS
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 BUICK LESABRE
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
When I drive my vehicle it will randomly shut off when I'm driving. Both of my turn signals will turn on right before my vehicle shuts off. Once it shuts off the battery will not turn on. Headlights still work, all power still works. The odd part is when I turn my headlights off then back on the car will start back up but will experience the issue again. Once started both turn signals will be on. I had the battery tested original and it needed to be replaced. I bought a brand new battery, but later that day it happened again. I even started the car and disconnected the battery and the car was still running to check the alternator. I'm in a big stump on this one.
Thursday, February 20th, 2020 AT 5:32 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Never, never, ever remove a battery cable while the engine is running. It tests nothing and can damage the modules and the alternator.

You need a voltmeter to test the alternator to be sure it is putting out 14 to 14.5 volts.

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

I would start by cleaning the battery cables. You have 2 cables stacked on the positive side that need to be totally clean for all systems to work.

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

Roy

I would start by
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 20th, 2020 AT 7:05 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links