Loss of controls; no power steering, no brakes and no gas/throttle control?

Tiny
RYANRZEP
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 HONDA CRV
  • 317,000 MILES
I just had an oil change, was driving home and had to turn on my lights to go through a tunnel. I noticed when I turned my lights on that if I let off the gas pedal at all, it was a little rough when dropping RPMs to the idle. I get to a stop light where I’m about to turn and my car is idling horribly, then when I go to turn, I have no power steering, no brakes, and no gas/throttle control. I also noticed the oil light and battery light came on. I coast in neutral until I come to a stop because I had no brakes or gas. I moved the car from neutral to park. It’s idling rough still. I then turn off my headlights, the cars idle goes back to normal and not rough, I have brakes, power steering, and gas/throttle control again. I get to where I need, turn the lights back on just to see and it instantly drops the idle rpm’s and starts idling rough. Turn the lights off and it goes back to normal. The car has a lot of miles on it but has been kept in great service car. Not late for oil changes, fluids are kept at the right levels, serviced when needed.
Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 11:24 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not sure the oil change had anything to do with it. However, anything is possible.

Based on your description, it sounds like a voltage issue that may be the result of a failing alternator. The two things I'm questioning is the loss of power steering and the brake issue. If the engine RPMs were low enough, we may have lost power brake assist and Power steering assist, but not throttle response.

Do me a favor. Take a look at pic 1 below. I need you to open the hood and inspect the serpentine belt. Make sure it is in good condition and tight. (Engine off).

Next, if that appears good, I need you to check the alternator. You will need a multimeter or voltmeter to do this.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

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

Let me know what you find.,

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 6:59 PM
Tiny
RYANRZEP
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I replaced my alternator and serpentine belt no more than 2 years ago. Although the company was supposed to check and fill all fluids in my car, they did not put any transmission fluid in. I noticed they pulled the transmission fluid dip stick but didn’t add anything. So, when I parked my car and checked, it was bone dry. I added 3 quarts of transmission fluid, and it ate it all up and is running back to “normal”.
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Wow! That's a lot. Thank you for the update. I'm glad to know you got it going. However, if there was that much fluid missing, keep an eye on it for leaks.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 8:54 PM

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