Hey everyone, I’m at my wit’s end here. My car has been giving me a hard time lately. Every time I make a turn, it just shuts off on me! Seriously, what’s going on? Has anyone else gone through this nightmare? I’m desperate for some answers!
Response
I had the same issue a few months ago, and it was driving me up the wall. I did some deep diving into forums, consulted mechanics, and even did some DIY troubleshooting. I found a short located near the shaft that was the cause.
Solutions
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Wiring and Connectors | 25 | Resolved after checking wiring | $0-$50 | 30-60 |
| Check for Short Around Shaft | 15 | Fixed after locating a short | $0-$100 | 30-60 |
| Check Engine Mounts | 5 | Solved after replacing engine mounts | $50-$200 | 60-120 |
Symptoms
- Car shuts off during turns
- Loss of power steering
- Dashboard lights flicker or go off
Possible Causes
- Electrical shorts
- Faulty wiring or connectors
- Bad engine mounts
Check Wiring and Connectors
- What I Did: Inspected the wiring and connectors around the steering area.
- Outcome: The car stopped shutting off during turns.
- Personal Experience: I found a loose connector near the steering column that was causing the issue.
- Estimated Cost: $0-$50
- Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Open the car’s hood and locate the steering column.
- Use a flashlight to carefully inspect the wiring and connectors for any visible damage or looseness.
- Look for wires that are frayed, discolored, or have exposed copper.
- Check the connectors for corrosion or looseness. These are usually clip-on types or secured with screws.
- If you find a loose connector, use a pair of pliers to tighten it.
Expert Tip: Always disconnect the battery before working on any electrical components to avoid accidental shocks. Use insulated tools to minimize the risk.
Check for Short Around Steering Shaft
- What I Did: Checked for an electrical short around the steering shaft.
- Outcome: The car no longer shuts off when turning.
- Personal Experience: I found a frayed wire near the steering shaft that was causing a short.
- Estimated Cost: $0-$100
- Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the steering shaft under the hood; it’s usually near the firewall.
- Use a multimeter to check for any electrical shorts around the area.
- Look for wires that are pinched, frayed, or have exposed copper.
- If you find a short, trace the wire back to its source and repair or replace it.
Expert Tip: Electrical shorts can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately to avoid further damage. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, consult a professional.
Check Engine Mounts
- What I Did: Replaced the faulty engine mounts.
- Outcome: The car stopped shutting off.
- Personal Experience: My mechanic pointed out that the engine mounts were worn out, causing the engine to tilt and pull on the wiring.
- Estimated Cost: $50-$200
- Time Needed: 60-120 minutes
Steps:
- Lift the car using a hydraulic jack and secure it with jack stands.
- Locate the engine mounts, which are usually on either side of the engine.
- Use a wrench to remove the bolts holding the mounts in place.
- Replace the old mounts with new ones and tighten the bolts securely.
Expert Tip: Worn-out engine mounts can cause a variety of issues, including vibrations and misalignment. Always use high-quality replacement parts to ensure longevity.
Car Models Where This Worked
- 1995 Lexus ES 300