2007 Camry went dead while driving. What are some reasons that could cause this?

Question

I've got a 2007 Camry. Bought it brand new from the dealer, have only ever had it (regularly) serviced at the dealer.

I was on my way home from a meeting today, and I was driving down a road. The radio went off, and all of the sudden, all of the lights on the dash lit up: check engine, parking break, etc. I didn't have any turn signals, the power windows/locks didn't work, etc.

Since I already had the vehicle on, I drove it right to the the dealer, who got it right in. Once I turned the engine off at the dealer, the car wouldn't start, and everything was dead in the water.

First they checked the battery, which was fine (I had it replaced in January...by the dealer!). Then they thought the issue could be the starter or possibly how the after market remote starter (which was installed by the dealer) was interacting with the starter. That wasn't the problem. So this afternoon, they said that they ran every diagnostic possible on it, and they think that the problem is the engine harness. They said that the entire engine harness had to go, and that there probably is a sensor involved here as well. The total price of the estimated fix is $2800, which is a pretty large amount to risk, especially given that:

1. I've got no guarantee that replacing the engine harness would do the job, and
2. I've lost my faith in the dealer's competence. We're talking about 4 different dealers in 4 major U.S. cities that I've worked with for maintenance, so I don't think that going to a different one would solve the problem.

My question: What are some possible reasons that my car would have suddenly just died it did?

Answer 1

Unless the harness is damaged, the problem is most likely to be amongst the engine ECU, immobiliser transponder, or instrument panel control module. Prelimanary checks should be fuses, relays, and connecting plugs correctly fitted. Don't be too hard on the techs involved as a fault of this type can be a long and drawn out affair, but could be simply a fuse or relay replacement. The engine ECU powers the actuators on the vehicle, so you need to check things like: fuel pump runs when ignition key is turned to the run position, power to injectors, power to ignition coils, brake lights working. These checks will show that the ECU is or is'nt working.

Answer 2

The same happened to my 2007 Toyota Camry. While on traffic, the car radio went off first, then other electronics... and it couldn't come back on. After I called my mechanic he found out the alternator wasn't functioning any longer which stopped the battery from charging.

I suggest you check out the Alternator before paying that high amount for something you aren't sure of.

Answer 3

Sounds like alternator voltage regulator gave your computer to high of a surge of DC voltage.Had one do me the same way only difference my regulator hung in burnt my car wiring from Motor to dash board and it was supposed to be good .I'd have some one who specializes in brain boxes ECU and have your alternator checked that built in regulator can sure do that .hope no permanent damage .have everything check before changing wiring harness I'd would say brain box and relay box got first . Just my opinion but that's bad.hopr you get it fixed no bad luck