Total electric failure
My daughter has a 2003 Plymouth Aztec. About two weeks ago it began sputtering and shutting down at stop lights. She could get it started again, but with much effort. Each time this occurred, there would be a "funny smell." That problem seemed to rectify itself, but last week she drove home from the store, and turned off the engine. 15 minutes later her husband went out to use the car, and all the electrical began flashing; then nothing. The key fob will not work. The Aztec is completely dead. She did tell me that they had to "jimmy rig" a used battery to get it to fit a
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The issue could be the battery. If it was connected wrong it may have worn it down and caused it to fail prematurely. If it was used, then there is even more reason to suspect that is the issue. Have it tested again, or try starting it with a new battery.
Make sure the battery cables are in good condition. If they were what was "jimmy rigged" you should have those replaced right away. Without seeing the car and seeing what the "jimmy rigging" consisted of, its impossible to tell. Anytime repairs are made like that they can potentially cause issues. There is definitely a right way and a wrong way to make some repairs.
You should also have the car scanned for diagnostic troubleshooting codes. It may help you figure out what the problem is. However, this is best done when the car is running and you may need it to start to test it. With the key fob not working, that is just one more finger pointing at the battery. Have the battery and cables tested.
If you’re unable to pinpoint the issue yourselves, consider enlisting one of our mobile technicians who can come the car’s location and diagnose the issue with the battery for an accurate repair.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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When a battery is faulty or undercharged, it won`t be able to send the right amount of energy to your vehicle`s computer. This may cause the check engine light to flip on. If you drive a newer model car, you may also have a handy battery warning light on your dashboard.
Electrical. If you have an issue in your electrical system that isn`t covered by another dashboard warning light, the check engine light will come on. Common electrical system problems that trigger the check engine warning include problems with your vehicle`s onboard computer system.
Can a Bad Battery Cause Electrical Problems? Yes, if your battery is underperforming it can cause systems within the vehicle to malfunction. A bad battery can also result in air conditioners, stereos and other applications not receiving enough power to function properly.
When a battery drains, it may send lower voltages of power which may or may not hurt your PCM. But it can definitely cause some problems that are related to your PCM due to it not receiving enough voltage. Also, your PCM can create problems that aren`t caused by your battery too.
Like desktop computers and most other electronics, disconnecting the battery cable for a short period will not fully reset your ECU due to the residual power remaining in the circuits.
3) Disconnect the Battery then Reconnect
Ideally, this will clear the data, turning off the light. You can then reconnect the battery and turn the ignition on. After about a minute, the check engine light code should be off.
There are thousands of possible diagnostic codes possible, some that are specific to a manufacturer or particular vehicle, and many that are generic across all vehicles.
Codes P0300-P0399 indicate engine misfire or issues with the ignition system. Here are the descriptions of some of them: P0300: Engine misfire related to multiple cylinders. P0301: Engine misfire in cylinder 1.
The most common car electrical system problems are problems with your car battery, an alternator that isn`t working properly, loose or failed spark plugs, a fatigued solenoid or starter, bad battery cables, electrical fuses that are blown, loose wires, or problems with your ignition switch.
The easiest way to perform an ECU reset is by removing the fuse from the fuse box. It is a very simple process, and all you have to do is pull out the car key, remove the fuse from the fuse box, and then put it back after about 15 to 20 seconds. Doing this clears any long-term memory stored in the car`s ECU.
Resetting your ECU is a popular myth. In reality, resetting your engine control unit (ECU) after modifying your engine isn`t necessary. However, resetting your ECU can help you fix a faulty check engine light or restore your car to factory setting.
Battery drain or dead battery
A failed ECM power relay can also cause a battery drain or dead battery. If the relay shorts it can leave power on to the computer, even when the vehicle is turned off.
If you have a check-engine or battery indicator light illuminated on your vehicle, it could indicate a problem with an automobile charging system, or if your vehicle gets a jump-start and immediately stops running, it could be an indication that the alternator is malfunctioning.
An effective method to determine whether it`s your battery or alternator that`s gone bad is to connect jumper cables from a running vehicle`s battery to yours. After a few moments, try starting your vehicle. Once it`s started, remove the jumper cables — if your engine stalls, your alternator has probably gone bad.
Check Engine Light. The easiest way to tell if there`s an issue with your alternator is if one of the dashboard`s diagnostic lights turns on. Sometimes a vehicle will have a specific light to indicate alternator problems but alternator issues are usually indicated by the standard Check Engine Light.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Total electric failure – 2003 Plymouth Aztec
ANSWER : The issue could be the battery. If it was connected wrong it may have worn it down and caused it to fail prematurely. If it was used, then there is even more reason to suspect that is the issue. Have it tested again, or try starting it with a new battery.
Make sure the battery cables are in good condition. If they were what was "jimmy rigged" you should have those replaced right away. Without seeing the car and seeing what the "jimmy rigging" consisted of, its impossible to tell. Anytime repairs are made like that they can potentially cause issues. There is definitely a right way and a wrong way to make some repairs.
You should also have the car scanned for diagnostic troubleshooting codes. It may help you figure out what the problem is. However, this is best done when the car is running and you may need it to start to test it. With the key fob not working, that is just one more finger pointing at the battery. Have the battery and cables tested.
If you’re unable to pinpoint the issue yourselves, consider enlisting one of our mobile technicians who can come the car’s location and diagnose the issue with the battery for an accurate repair.
Hi I have this dtc:P0698 description (failure of wiring and connection. failure of spark plug control module) engin no start
ANSWER : Hi there. Typically this is a failure in the ignition control circuit. Most of the time it is a wiring failure going to the ignition coils such as a bad ground connection. It can also be caused by a failure in the main computer which happens most of the time on this vehicle.
I usually start by checking the circuit for power to eliminate a blown fuse or ignition switch issue. If no problems are found there then I move on to testing the wiring and the computer to see which one the vehicle needs.
If you are looking to have this repaired, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home to diagnose your trouble code firsthand and repair this as necessary.
All electrical failure and buzzing under steering column. Slammed on the brake and it stopped and car started. Had to reset clock
ANSWER : You have a bad connection at a main power point. The buzzing under the steering column is a relay that is clicking on and off very rapidly. This is normal when total electrical power is lost. Stomping on the brake created g-forces that reconnected the bad electrical connection. I have seen symptoms such as this many times and it is usually a bad connection somewhere near the battery. You will be looking for a main fuse or fusible link that is loose. Most likely it will power the alternator, because even if the battery disconnects the alternator will still supply power to the rest of the car.
The second place to be looking is anywhere that powers the PCM (powertrain control module). This can also be in the form of a fuse or fusible link. It is often a bad connection at a fuse block, at the battery or possibly the ignition switch where it powers the PCM. Finding the location of each of these connections will require access to a wiring diagram and a test light. Since the clock needs to be reset, this is a simple system and beginning by diagnosing this may lead to the problem.
If this does not happen regularly and is not predictable as to when it will happen, this would be what is known as a intermittent failure and it can be frustrating to diagnose. If you can reproduce the failure on a regular basis, diagnosis will be much simpler.
If you find you need further assistance with this, I recommend the following inspection. Electrical problems inspection
Good luck!
Total electrical failure, no idea how
ANSWER : The battery is being drained down by a circuit or component which is drawing in excess of 50 milliamps. Volkswagen issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 15-03, dated 03/12/2015, which advises checking for excessive draw to the battery and isolation of the circuit in your fuse panel that is drawing milliamps in excess of the rated specifications. After isolation of the circuit, further diagnosis as to why the circuit or component fails will need to be done. You can contact YourMechanic for a diagnosis of your battery not charging, and they can handle repairs as needed.
Does changing fuel pump from electric to mechanical cause loss of engine power?
ANSWER : All the Ford Focus gasoline engines have an electric fuel pump in the fuel tank and were never equipped to have a mechanical fuel pump since fuel injection systems have been used. You should be aware of any vehicle with modifications to its systems.
If you are considering getting a new fuel pump, have a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your home or business and perform a replacement.
My 2003 Subaru WRX crashed and my insurance is giving me two options.
ANSWER : I would recommend taking the $6000 and getting another car with the money. The body damage is only an estimate of the damages the body shop can see and estimate. There is always hidden damage the body shop cannot see and will be added to the $7000 repair list. Body work and parts can be very expensive and go well above the vehicles value really quick. If you decide to purchase a used vehicle YourMechanic has a used vehicle inspection service to check the vehicle out for any problems it may have before you purchase it. Best of luck.
Loss of electrical power while driving but engine still works.
ANSWER : Check the battery on the vehicle and see if it is holding a charge. If the battery have a charge, then check the battery for a load. If the battery cannot hold a load, then the battery needs replaced. Check for any loose ground wiring from the cab to the chassis frame and see if they are corroded, damaged, or loose. A bad battery or a loose wire can cause electrical issues within the vehicle. If you need further assistance with your vehicle not starting due to an electrical issue, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Leak in windshield caused electrical failure
ANSWER : At this point, make sure you have careful documentation of your experiences with the car, dates, names and all paperwork from dealer repairs, etc. Check work done at the dealer if at all possible when the car is returned to you so that any residual problems are caught before you take the car back. Stay in touch while the dealer has your car so that it is repaired promptly. Since there is no Recall or Service bulletin for this work, it may not be a revenue-generating piece of work for the dealer, and so it will not be a priority. In the worst case, make yourself familiar with "Lemon Law" criteria in your state, should that path be necessary.
