2000 completely shut down at highway speed—rod knock?

[Colorado kid]

Just bought 2000 lc in Pasadena with good maintenance history and 169k. Driving back to Colorado Springs (have already driven 1100 Miles with no problem at all) when just outside Denver engine just shuts off. Just prior I did get a blinking engine light for just a couple miles until the light stopped. Then it came back on along with VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights. All my electric works fine, good voltage. When I turn the key absolutely no anything. No click no cranking nothing. Won’t turn AT ALL. What do you think. I hope it’s no a seized engine or I will puke. Thanks

 

[vman07]

Did you check battery terminals and engine grounds for loose contact?

 

[Colorado kid]

Yep. Disconnected it even to try and “reset”. Checked fuses all the basics

 

[Colorado kid]

Just noticed as I’m waiting for the tow truck; next to the clock there is a red car symbol with a key inside of it blinking???

 

[Colorado kid]

 

[planomateo]

Battery is a good place to start with this one.

Always drive with a code reader and a way to clear codes.

 

[DirtDawg]

Just noticed as I’m waiting for the tow truck; next to the clock there is a red car symbol with a key inside of it blinking???

That’s part of the immobilizer system and is supposed to stop blinking once you insert your key.

 

[KFunk740]

I do not know your issue since I’m new to LCs, and eagerly await it.

But, if it was just an immediate loss of power, then you shouldn’t worry about any mechanical issues. A sudden stop with no other bad mechanical sounds is almost always an electrical problem.
(I’ve had the joy of coasting to the side of the road in all kinds of makes and models).

 

[Colorado kid]

I’m just so sick and pissed right now. Thanks for the uplifting thoughts though. I just don’t get how it can be the battery. I have perfect voltage and all electrical works. And I wasn’t really one to carry a code reader to clear codes. How many people actually do that.

 

[ripvanmd]

Could it just be a problem with the immobilization system? Try a different key?

 

[KFunk740]

Yeah, I just bought a 99 with the same amount of miles, and have also put 1k on it. I got it because I want a reliable workhorse that doesn’t die as well. That’s still a risk with any vehicle with old electronics though, I suppose.
It sounds to me like some kind of kill switch fault, like a neutral safety or the sort, that got stuck and cut off all power to ignition and starter.

 

[nissanh]

Sorry to hear what has happened. This is why I still trust my 92 corolla as it got nothing that can go bad compared to all the unnecessary electronics in the cruiser or a newer car.

Did you try a jump start? Turn the headlight on and try to start, if the lights goes away then your battery is bad.
Check all the high amp fuses (bussmann) at the battery terminal and inside the main fuse box next to the battery. If someone used an aftermarket bussmann fuse, it can fail at any minute. Reply back.

 

[DirtDawg]

I have a scangauge always hooked up to show my correct speed with the bigger tires, it also reads/clears codes. I believe a code reader is a good device to keep on hand.

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

Yep, I roll with my scan gague hooked up 24/7. It’s nice to know what your transmission temp is etc. as well as clear codes.

Since it won’t even turn over, that eliminates the EFI fuse, emobilizer etc. I’d look close at the battery, connections. It also could be the starter.

 

[planomateo]

I have a $100 tablet with techstream with me always, prior to that I always kept a bluetooth code reader.

Without a doubt, a must when driving an unknown car 1/2 way across country.

Gas cap on tight?

 

[nissanh]

Good point^^^^
I think it could be one of those bussmann fuses.

 

[Colorado kid]

Thanks everyone ! I’m home and my guy is looking at it tomorrow as I must work. No rest for the weary. I will feed him all of your guys info and get back eventually with what I do or do not find.

 

[Colorado kid]

So far; found that the 30 amp am2 fuse was blown. He replaced, it started then almost immediately blew again. Tracing it back now. To be continued

 

[Workhorse]

Colorado Kid-

Look for signs of any rodent activity in the engine bay or close (wires). My Aunt drove her newer Rav4 around all day and when she parked it in the garage all up to that point was fine. She went back a few hours later and it wouldn't start-period. Towed it to the shop and after having a closer look, he said that there were rodents chewing on things, and had been for some time. Ended up fixing some of the wires that were shorted out and it runs and drives ok.

Something to think about.

 

[Colorado kid]

So it blew a spark plug out of the head and melted down the coil. Seems to be ok though. He checked the cylinder for damage /debris with camera . Gonna put an insert in there since the threads are screwed.