Hey CL, just wondering if you could help me out. A couple days ago, while at a stop, my car just suddenly turned off. All the lights on the dash came on and shutoff. I restarted the car and it seemed fine and drove off. Just 2 days ago, I went to start my car and you know how our steering wheels come down when you put the key in? Well, it went down halfway and then just stopped. Nothing in the car worked. I couldnt unlock or lock the car with my key remote or turn on any of the dome lights. I got my friend to jump my car and as soon as he turned on his car, my car started working again. He said that it might be my alternator? I dont think its the battery because I just got it replaced a couple months ago. What do you guys think? It a 98 GS400 with 57k+ miles on it.

 

First thing I would do is check the fuses. If they're all good, start your car then disconnect the battery, if the car shuts off then you have a bad alternator.

 

well said but i would check the battery, before the alternator. JMO. bring it to your local autozone store its free. cant beat free now and days.

 

That's true too. Check the battery terminals for oxidation.

 

Check the charging system before jumping to conclusion. 13.2-14.5 V

 

i dont think it's the alternator because u car will die after driving a block, the fact that u can still drive the car, it's probably something else. check the battery connections, make sure things are tight. last time this happenend to me (honda) was my cap and rotor.

 

check your battery then your terminals then the ground

 

Ok I got the battery checked out and they said it was fine. Alternator is fine too, but the car just shutoff on me again today while i was driving on the feeder with traffic right on my tail. I was also told it could be my sparkplugs? However, Im starting to get the feeling its my cassette/ipod adapter. It seems that whenever Im using it to play my ipod, first thing that shuts off is the radio unit and then the whole car... Whats going on?!?!?! Im taking it into Lexus to get it checked out on wednesday.

 

Anyone have any input? I have a nakamichi unit, so can anybody whos had the nakamichi unit as well as the cassette/ipod adapter chime in here?

Lexus of Austin is charging me $105 to get it diagnosed and another $75 to tow.

 

I have never heard of a cassette adapter shutting down a car. There is something else that you are overlooking. Take a closer look check the charging system. Check the battery terminals and make sure that they are tight and not corroded. Electrical issues are tricky and expensive to diagnose.

 

Do you have a voltmeter?
If not, you might just get one...

Fusible links, loose ground...I agree you are overlooking something.

What part of town are you in? I maybe able to drive by and take a look before work...

 

I dont have a voltmeter, but I think I can find one. Im on Riverside off 35 south. Im leaving the car parked at my apt so I dont risk the car dying on me on the freeway again..

Edit: I just google-mapped your location, and thats a pretty long drive. I think Ill just wait until Spring Break and tow the car back to Houston to get it checked out. Thanks for the offer FrankT.