2016 Lexus RX350, engine quits running
My name is Jerry and I'm helping a friend to figure out this problem that is happening on their car. The following information is from the car owner.
The engine has quit running four times now. It seems to happen once every 2 or 3 weeks. Each time it has quit running the message 'Charging System Malfunction' displays on the screen at the same time the engine quits.Once the engine is restarted the 'Charging System Malfunction' message is gone.
When the problem happened five days ago I had stopped to talk with someone. The engine was idling normally for a minute or so. Then I noticed a moment of rough idle, the engine died and the 'Charging System Malfunction' message displayed. I waited a moment and then restarted it.IIt seemed to crank slightly different, but it restarted and ran normally
This is the same scenario that happens each time. The first time I was driving down the road at highway speed when it died.
The Lexus dealer replaced the battery after first instance. No code information could be found related to the 'Charging System Malfunction' message
Lexus dealer could not find any code information after the 3rd instance. Said it might be the alternator. Said to bring it back when the light came on.
Tried independent mechanic that works on Lexus vehicles after the fourth instance. He also could not find any codes related to the problem. Put some fuel cleaner additive in the tank.
The above description is from the owner of the car. My guess is that the voltage regulator inside the alternator is intermittently malfunctioning and signaling to the alternator to go to full output. The engine computer sees a high battery voltage and shuts down the engine to avoid damage to the electrical system. This would account for the engine running rough for a moment before it quits running at idle. The alternator would be putting a large load on the engine.
The dealer wants approx. $1,000.00 to replace the alternator. The Lexus mechanic wants approx. $600.00 to replace it.
Has anyone had a similar problem as this? It's a lot of money to make a wrong guess.
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