All these light came on while my wife was driving her 2006 LX470. The picture was taken while she was driving. All dash lights flickering. Notice the volt meter. I wonder if the alternator is bad. This just happened so I don't have any codes yet. I have noticed a slight whining noise when I start her truck recently. Anyone had similar problem? She said truck drives fine. Thanks.
Her Lx just died while driving. I'm thinking it was running on battery only if the alternator went bad. Luckily she has a 2 and 4 year old in the car to keep her company till I get there.
Rudimentary test: Take a voltage reading at the battery (engine off). Then take a voltage reading with the engine running. You should see ~12.5 volts with the engine off and 14 volts or so with engine running. Engine running voltage = alternator output (again, rudimentary).
Be sure the battery terminal/cable connections are tight and not corroded: It might be something as simple as loose or corroded battery terminal connections...
I agree with what you suggested. Just thinking about it...if it wasn't the alternator...then the car should continue to run even if batt dead...but the engine shut off while driving.
When the alternator stops producing power, the ignition will run only until the battery is discharged. Then there will be no 'lectricity to run the fuel pump or injectors or the computer and so the truck dies.
My guess is the alternator went bad. The Christmas tree dash is a classic sign. But like spresso says, always a good idea to check connections and clean up the chassis grounds.
So I picked up an alternator at the dealer and went to change it out in the middle of a parking lot where the engine stopped. Not the best conditions, but knocked it out. I had to unbolt power steering pump and move it to the side and slightly bend fixed coolant lines. I put it all back together, jumped started the car, and voila...she's alive!
I actually enjoyed the job and my wife and kids think I'm a super hero so that's cool. That's the first time I have ever had an alternator go out while driving.
One thing that has changed after this fiasco is the auto headlights...they are always on even though it's daytime and sunny. I wonder if they will reset or something.
