2015 rav 4 indicator lights & then the car died
Asked by GuruDZ6FRV Dec 29, 2023 at 08:30 PM about the 2015 Toyota RAV4 LE AWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
the battery light came on, then temperature light, then all the indicator lights
came on, slowing things started to turn off or considerably slow down, first the
radio, then the lights, then the wipes & then the car died.
4 Answers
Sounds like a complete power loss. Battery, charging system are suspect. You will need some special tools to figure this out, volt meter, old school incandescent test light, and a good scan tool. Or have your favorite independent shop check it out.
beatupchevy answered 10 months ago
scan for codes even if the light ain't on , The clerk at auto zoo is not a technician ,
Possibly the serpentine belt broke. Usually the serpentine belt drives the alternator, water pump, etc. If the belt broke the alternator stops working so the battery light comes on. The water pump would have stopped working so a few minutes later, without the coolant circulating, the engine will overheat and the temperature light will come on. The vehicle will continue to run off the battery, after the alternator stops working, until the battery is dead. That would also explain why the vehicle systematically shut down. My biggest concern is the overheated engine. Hopefully no serious damage was done! Hope that helps! Jim
ElizabethPMorales answered 10 months ago
If the indicator lights on your 2015 Toyota RAV4 came on and then the car died, there could be several potential causes for this issue. Here are some steps you can take to diagnose and address the problem: Check the Battery: A dead or weak battery could be a common cause. Check the battery connections for tightness and corrosion. If possible, try jump-starting the vehicle. Inspect the Alternator: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. If the alternator fails, it could lead to a drained battery. If you can get the car started, use a multimeter to check the voltage across the battery terminals. It should be around 13-14 volts when the engine is running. Review Indicator Lights: Take note of the specific indicator lights that came on before the car died. Common lights include the battery light, check engine light, or other warning lights. The type of lights can provide clues about the nature of the problem. Check Fuel Level: Ensure that there is an adequate amount of fuel in the tank. Running out of fuel or having a faulty fuel gauge can lead to stalling. Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle's computer. These codes can provide information about specific issues. Inspect Fuses: Check the vehicle's fuses for any that may be blown. A blown fuse could disrupt electrical systems. Professional Inspection: If you are unable to identify and resolve the issue, it's advisable to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or take it to a Toyota dealership. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and repair complex issues. Given that the car died after indicator lights came on, it's crucial to address the issue promptly to avoid further damage or complications. If you're unable to troubleshoot the problem yourself, seeking professional assistance is recommended.