Hi and help!

S

SHFox

Member
I just purchased a 2010 FX 35 AWD that I am thrilled with...except for today! I was setting up my nav and phone in my garage with one overhead light on. I was in the car about an hour when the nav went dark and all the interior lights started flashing. I tried to turn off the light and turn the car to off but nothing would work. The headlights were flashing but nothing I did would stop it. Within a couple of minutes the driver side headlight completely dimmed while the passenger side stayed bright. It was like the car had a stroke. I tried starting the car, using the mechanical key to lock and unlock it, but nothing worked. There is a red flashing car on the dash which is still flashing. I knew the battery would just die. I left it for about 45 minutes and the one headlight went off and the other stayed on. I tried the mechanical key again and the lights went off but the car won't start. The starter button does flash so the battery doesn't seem to be totally dead. Is this an alarm issue, battery, stroke, what?! Help!
 
Have you tried a jump start? And you said only one overhead light on, but if you were in the garage were the headlights and taillights on? An hour is a long enough time that I could see them draining the battery if they came on due to the darkness in the garage.
 
I haven't jumped it yet. I'll have to call AAA. But the ignition doesn't click or anything. You are right, the headlights and taillights were likely on.

---------- Post added at 04:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:22 PM ----------

Would all the interior lights flash if the battery is going dead?
 
I think they dim. I remember mine went into a kind of "last resort" mode when the battery was low, and only necessary things stayed on but it did start up later.
 
Since you said you are going to have to call AAA I'm guessing they are bringing a portable jump starter. I got one of these, although I swear it was cheaper/on sale at the time for $30 or $40. I only used it once for myself, but have jumped a couple of people's cars as well. Fits great in the footwell behind the driver's seat, especially if you don't drive people around often.

http://www.harborfreight.com/automo...table-power-pack-with-jump-starter-60657.html
 
Well, AAA came and the battery just needed to be jumped. Thanks for your reply and wisdom!

---------- Post added at 11:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 PM ----------

Note to self, turn off the auto switch on the headlights when setting up the nav and phone...
 
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