Three idiot lights on and no idea why

[covrace]

Hey Gang, I own a 1991 camry wagen with a 3sfe. 212000 miles and it runs well. However today while driving, my brake warning light, my charge warning light and my "lights" warning all came on and stayed on while I drove about 45 miles home from a friends house. The car ran great on the way up and ran fine on the way back. It didn't cough or buck or anything. Got it home and immediately checked the charging system with a voltmeter and sure enough I'm getting 13.8 at an idle with nothing on. The fluid level at the master cylinder is exact where is should be, the brakes are otherwise fine, the e-brake is not sticking on and after waiting until it got dark, all my lights work fine.
Any ideas?

Jake

[covrace]

ok update. If I check the voltage at the battery, engine running, NO idiot lights lit, I get 13.5-13.9 or what I consider normal. If the idoit lights ARE lit, I get 11.5 or the engine is running off the battery and no charging is taking place. Is there an alternator control unit or relay that controls this through the ignition switch, etc or am I looking at a new alternator?????

[new echo owner]

Your alternator is on its way out, that is why those lights came on. It has an integrated regulator so it is pretty much a self contain unit. Unless the wiring on your car is corroded or loose, that is the most likely cause. Probably the brushes, but with so many miles on your car, replace it as one unit maybe the best way to go.

N.E.O.

[white90dx]

Originally Posted by new echo owner

Your alternator is on its way out, that is why those lights came on. It has an integrated regulator so it is pretty much a self contain unit. Unless the wiring on your car is corroded or loose, that is the most likely cause. Probably the brushes, but with so many miles on your car, replace it as one unit maybe the best way to go.

N.E.O.

Bingo. If you can find just the brushes, that may be all you need. Also do your best to find a rebuilt original Denso alternator - they are much better (what other car do you know will still be on its original alternator at 200k+ miles?1?)

-Charlie

[Mike Gerber]

Or look for an auto electrical rebuilder in your area and have them rebuild your original alternator. It costs about the same as buying a rebuilt unit from an auto parts store, but in my experience they tend to do a better job than the production line rebuilders the auto parts stores use. Check your local phone book for one.

Mike