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Help! My RX died!

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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 03:26 PM
  #1  
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From: Raleigh, NC
TX Help! My RX died!

I had just left the house and while driving I noticed the radio just shut off. Ok weird, but then I noticed the tach was on 0 - engine was dead. Luckily there was a parking lot I could pull into within a few feet.


What doesn't work:


ac\heater blower
radio
engine/starter
sunroof


What does work:


Headlights
Horn
interior lights
the annoying door chime


Please help this is my daily driver!
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 03:30 PM
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I seriously do not know anything about the rx but for a start get a multimeter and check all the fuse in the car. See if the acc belt is still there?
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 04:04 PM
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All the fuses check out. Yes belts are good. There is plenty of battery power. I even swapped the main relay with a spare to see if it made a difference, but nope.
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 04:14 PM
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Does the car even crank or what happen when you try to? Any clicking noise? Check to see if power is going through the starter and alternator?

I just saw you said starter, do you know if it is getting power to it?
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 04:25 PM
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Which year is the car?
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 04:33 PM
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Car is 87' TII
No power to starter, no ignition power at all, so no clicky clicky.
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 04:38 PM
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Is there voltage at the starter ?
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 04:58 PM
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There is voltage at the starter yes.
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 05:04 PM
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Could it be as simple as a faulty ignition switch itself?
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 05:04 PM
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Also I should ad there is a CodeAlarm system. Could this be the culprit?
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 05:06 PM
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Lol it would be funny if it was , have you tried Valet mode ?
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 06:16 PM
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At this point I believe it to be the ignition switch itself. Has anyone ever had one fail though while driving? Tomorrow I'm going to put through the multimeter checks and will let you guys know.
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Old Jan 7, 2016 | 10:50 AM
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The ignition switch has a plug with two wires which are a Black and a Black/White wire. The solid Black wire should have constant voltage to it. Does it? If it does then w/key to ACC there would be voltage on the Blue wire in the two wire plug which also has a Black/Red wire. W/key to on the Black/Red wire in the two wire plug (one which has the Blue wire) and the Black/White wire (found in the plug w/the Black wire) should also have power. And w/key to start the Black/Red wire in the single wire plug should also have voltage. This will tell you if the switch is on the up and up.
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Old Jan 7, 2016 | 02:31 PM
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make sure you give your rx a proper burial!
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Old Jan 7, 2016 | 05:57 PM
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I traced the failure back to the 80amp main fuse. Looks like it was blown afterall
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Old Jan 7, 2016 | 06:00 PM
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Oh nice thought u checked it before but when I Reread what you wrote before it was the main relay. My bad but glad u found it
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Old Jan 7, 2016 | 07:24 PM
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Yep, runs like a champ again! Thank you everyone for all the comments and help!

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Old Jan 8, 2016 | 12:33 AM
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The intercooler can shake and touch the top of the alternator and short out the electricals..resulting in a blown main.
I see you got a yellow IC tube there..Maybe you can check your Top mount to make sure it is not flopping around.
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