mpewters

1st time writing on the forum. I have followed many threads from helpful members in the past year. This is a bit unusual. My Daughter's 99 RX300 AWD Had a bank 2 sensor 1 code and a misfire cylinder 3 code. I replaced the air fuel sensor by the radiator and the mileage went from 13 to 18 mpg. I then replaced the coil on #3 (fun spot to work on). The RX ran great and I was getting 22 mpg. I went to the car wash and washed off the engine compartment, replaced the vanity cover, and drove approx 25 miles and the car stopped running at an intersection. Towed it home and it turns over but will not start. Any Ideas? I hoped to contribute a fix on my 1st posting, but looking for help. Thank you, 99 RX 300.

salimshah

There is little point is stating the obvious that one should not wash engine compartment. Always use compressed air.

You can still use compressed air to blow away pooled water (if any).

Usually with 25miles of driving moisture evaporates due to heat.

I would take out lug #2 and lay it on the top of the head and see if there is spark as you crank the engine.

Salim

code58

That is a huge no- no on current cars and trucks with so many electronics that can be (sometimes) catastrophically affected by water intrusion and the resultant shorting of those expensive electronic components. I would (and have) washed current engines with a pressure washer and engine cleaner but would never recommend it to anyone not VERY familiar with how to protect against the destructive affects of water intrusion on the delicate electronic components. Used to be if you could get the old faithfull carburated engines started after a good drenching the heat of the engine would dry things out. Now the heat only causes steam which is often the culprit that knocks the electronics out.
(You actually have to be careful with using compressed air even because in the wrong place the static electricity generated by the compressed air can also cause damage to electronic components)

Lexmex

When I was in Mexico we did it, but many of you remember I covered up the electronics areas very carefully.

mpewters

Thank you for stating the obvious . I learned the hard way, different from the cars of the 70s and 80s. Will view the ciol on 3 after pulling it to see. Thank you, (all washed up).

mpewters

RX ran awesome and started a day after my post. Then died at an intersection again. No Spark on the #2 lug. With key on I moved the wire harness above the timing belt cover . I heard a click by the battery, so I tried to start the car and it ran for a few min. Shut down again. Lug #2 no spark, tried moving harness gently and no restart. Checked all connections around the area I previously worked on: #3lug coil replacement, changed out O2 sensor (bank 2 sensor 1). No CEL after that. Washed engine then recurring engine shutdown, now shut down. Thank you for the (check for spark idea... no spark. All washed up...

salimshah

Next logical place to look would be swap the ignition coil ... check 12v on the + termial
Camshaft position sensor
crankshaft position sensor
ECM

Salim

1sWt2GS

iTrader: (6)

Seems like this is happening to a lot of people lately....

Easy way to avoid. Get under there and use some elbow grease along with simple green

mpewters

Thank you all for the help. 99 RX runs great found a ground wire I did not put back on the manifold. That is why it shut down. Now getting a 0420 for catalyst. I do not have to pass an emission test here. I am now getting 23 mpg. Is the Cat a major concern? Thank you, back on the road.

code58

See if this gives you any help. http://www.obd-codes.com/p0420