My car died while on the freeway and I lost all power to my headlights, taillights, blinkers, power steering, windows and door loc
While I was driving on the freeway, I lost power to all my lights, power steering and even power to my door locks and windows. I checked the battery and it's fine as well as my fuse box and alternator and I still don't know what the problem is.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. Power to operate your vehicle during operation is supplied by the alternator. If you lost power to all systems, it will be caused by either the alternator failing, or an electrical relay or connection being damaged. Circuit tests should be performed to prove the failure(s). It could be that the fusible link(s) have burned near the battery positive cable. If the fusible link(s) have burned, the short that caused the failure needs to be identified. It could be a faulty ignition switch is the source of your issues as well. It would be a good idea to have a professional mechanic come to your location and complete an electrical components inspection so they can determine what is causing your problems.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
If your car has no power, it may be a sign that your alternator is beginning to wear out. When your alternator stops functioning, your vehicle relies solely on the battery to power its electrical system. Once your battery runs out, everything in your vehicle will shut down.
Why won`t my car start but the battery is good? If your car won`t start but the battery is good, the most common cause is a faulty starter – though it could also be to do with your fuel. You may have insufficient fuel to get the car going.
When it comes to the vehicle not starting, and not having electrical power, always start by checking the battery. In your situation you can go remove the battery from the vehicle, and take it to have it tested. If it is bad, simply replace it and drive the care home.
The alternator helps to manage the supply of electricity by recharging the battery. When there is a bad alternator, your car will shut off while driving. This primarily happens as it affects the power supply. Alternator issues will make the engine lose power.
The most likely issue is that a component is clogged. A clogged fuel filter is the most common reason, although a loss of power in your car could also indicate problems with the fuel pump or fuel line. Impurities or debris may be blocking the system, which causes the loss of power in a car.
Turning your key turns your battery on, so if you`ve turned your key all the way and the lights come on, but the engine doesn`t turn over, your starter motor could be the culprit. Any signs of electrical failure could also indicate the starter motor needs help.
It sounds like you may have a weak battery, a failing voltage regulator or failing alternator. As you may know, the alternator charges the battery while the engine runs by generating amperage and recharging the battery while the engine turns the alternator pulley.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My car died while on the freeway and I lost all power to my headlights, taillights, blinkers, power steering, windows and door loc
ANSWER : Hi there. Power to operate your vehicle during operation is supplied by the alternator. If you lost power to all systems, it will be caused by either the alternator failing, or an electrical relay or connection being damaged. Circuit tests should be performed to prove the failure(s). It could be that the fusible link(s) have burned near the battery positive cable. If the fusible link(s) have burned, the short that caused the failure needs to be identified. It could be a faulty ignition switch is the source of your issues as well. It would be a good idea to have a professional mechanic come to your location and complete an electrical components inspection so they can determine what is causing your problems.
Door unlocked alarm, no power window or door lock on driver door only, interior light comes on with L turn signa
ANSWER : Hi there. In general, wiring harnesses are sold by the manufacturer as a whole harness; not individual wires. It is much easier, cost-efficient and safer to replace the entire harness if it’s determined that it is faulty and the source of your alarm / door issue. It would be best to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location and complete an electrical problems inspection though, as it’s possible that this issue is related to an error code trapped in the ECU. If this is the case, simply clearing the code will resolve the problem. If the issue is determined to be the wiring harness or an exposed wire, they can recommend and most likely complete the repairs as well.
Power steering loss, no belts are turning but the car is running fine. I also have a soft pedal. Whats wrong with my car?
ANSWER : I have only seen this situation once in my 30+ years and it turned out to be a broken crankshaft pulley. Belts are driven by the engine. The crankshaft pulley spins the belts, which in turn spin the air conditioner compressor, power steering and water pumps, and the alternator. The vehicle should be towed to your local repair shop and not driven. Without the water pump spinning to circulate the coolant, the engine will quickly overheat and result in more extensive damage.
My vauxhall corsa electrics died and I lost power and power steering went I then bump started my car and would not rev and all lig
ANSWER : Hi there:
We don’t see a lot of Vauxhall Corsa’s here in the United States. You might want to have a professional mechanic complete an electrical problems inspection in your hometown to determine why you’re having these issues. Best of luck.
my car has theissue that it often lose power steering suddenly while turning.nothing leaks but there’s clunky noice when turning
ANSWER : The only way to determine if the collision caused damage is to carefully MEASURE the alignment and, as well, the frame dimensions using a tram. If those steps have not been specifically taken, what the mechanics have told you about "no damage" is meaningless. If the dealer has told you there is a problem with the steering rack, there very well could be and that possibility should be investigated. If the rack is faulty, it should be repaired or replaced. There is not supposed to be any clunking noises when you turn the steering wheel. The fact that there is a noise indicates a problem. The noise could be due to a problem with the strut bearing that allows the strut to turn freely with the steering knuckle, a defective tie rod end, a sway bar link or component and so forth. If you have hydraulically (not electric) assisted powered steering, loss of power assist could be due to a fault with the pump, the pump drive belt, or rack. Based on what you are describing, I would recommend you request a steering inspection – intermittent loss of assist and the responding certified mechanic will pinpoint the origin of the noise, as well as the cause of loss of assist, and get the required repairs implemented. With regard to the possibility of damage to the suspension and/or frame due to the collision, the ONLY way to determine that is to have those components measured using the appropriate tools and having in hand the Factory Service Manual which contains every relevant frame measurement for reference. You CANNOT visually look at a vehicle and determine if it is straight and undamaged because some of the specifications are measured within tens of thousandths of an inch (toe, for example) or tiny fractions of a degree (wheel camber). A carefully selected shop with trained individuals will have to perform such an inspection. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Power steering pump on 2012 Acura TL needs to be replaced. Due to location a power bar also needs to be replaced. Cost over $3,000. Is this a good price?
ANSWER : Question sent to CS for a quote on replacing the power steering motor, programming, and replacing an electrical component attached to the motor. This is in comparison to a quote that was given for the parts and labor.
Power steering is making noises seems like is looking power does the power steering pump makes the car to automatically stops lock
ANSWER : Noises from the power steering system can be due to low fluid level, as well as a loose drive belt, so be sure to check those two possibilities first. If there is still no resolution, that is if the noise problems persist, you should request a steering noise diagnostic. If faults with the power steering pump are causing the engine to loose power, then you should mention those issues to the mechanic when he does the noise diagnostic so that the mechanic can evaluate the freeness of the pump pulley and look for other faults. If, though, the engine is losing power, due to other causes such as ignition or fuel system faults, those will have to be separately diagnosed.
power steering fluid is leaking
ANSWER : With a power steering fluid leak that big, you certainly should have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible to find the exact cause. Any of the components you listed can be the source of the leak. The power steering pump as well as the rack & pinion steering unit rely on the fluid for lubrication as well as cooling. The whining you hear is from the pump when the fluid runs low or empty. Your issue can be caused by something as simple as a fluid hose right now, but continued ’running dry" of the power steering fluid, can result in damage to both the pump and the rack & pinion unit. If that happens, you can take what may be a repair of a few hundred dollars and turn it into a repair of a couple of thousand dollars.
