1MZ-FE Alternator Problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

parimento1 · 12-06-2007, 10:52 PM

I have a 97 Avalon with a 1MZ-FE engine. The stock alternator is only 80 amps, and with the stereo system I installed last year, I keep on killing alternators/batteries.My system is less than 500 watts, so I dont think I am putting excessive load on the charging system. I just wanted to know if the Highlander alternator which puts out 130 amps would fit on my car. I assume it will, as it uses the same 1MZ-FE engine, but just wanted to check it with u guys first

THANKS!

lexified14 · 12-06-2007, 11:02 PM

I am going to get my alternator rebuilt by a shop here in the city that does only alts and starters. I can get them to upgrade to any amperage I tell them too. Fairly cheap too.. I would check for local places for your app.

good luck

Black95Cam · 12-06-2007, 11:15 PM

that would be interesting to know. if it works, i'll do the same to mine too.

***Eye8Pussies*** · 12-07-2007, 12:52 AM

yes it does, people have done it already

Black95Cam · 12-07-2007, 01:09 AM

it just bolts right up with no modding or ect.? this seem like something i would wanna do.

***Eye8Pussies*** · 12-07-2007, 01:45 AM

yup, no mods needed- it's a straight bolt-on

lexified14 · 12-07-2007, 02:11 AM

if that only worked on the 3vz...damn!

Black95Cam · 12-07-2007, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eye8Pussies

yup, no mods needed- it's a straight bolt-on

thanks... now i have a little project on my hand.. just gotta find a used one for a decent price.

Curry · 12-07-2007, 10:49 AM

Somethings wrong if your system is under 500 watts and killing you're battery/alternator...

Putting the new alternator on probably won't solve the problem and you'll end up killing that too.

Black95Cam · 12-07-2007, 02:04 PM

did you check your remote and power wires? make sure there is not draws on it while not in use. right now i have a 500 watt rms or 1000 watt peak amp and everything seem to be holding up..

btw, i want tp upgrade because im upgrading to a 1200 watt rms amp.

parimento1 · 12-07-2007, 11:26 PM

I just did a quick check on the alternator tonight. I got out my multi-meter and checked the battery voltage with accessories on and watched for a voltage drop. With the high beams, heater fan on full power, and stereo on, the alternator put out 13.4 volts. This is definitely sufficient, so it leads me to believe that it is the battery that is bad, let me know what you guys think?

Black95Cam · 12-07-2007, 11:51 PM

did you test the batter itself with the car on and off?

Curry · 12-08-2007, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parimento1

I just did a quick check on the alternator tonight. I got out my multi-meter and checked the battery voltage with accessories on and watched for a voltage drop. With the high beams, heater fan on full power, and stereo on, the alternator put out 13.4 volts. This is definitely sufficient, so it leads me to believe that it is the battery that is bad, let me know what you guys think?

Do you let your system play with the car OFF?

Have you ever killed that battery? Usually if you discharge a battery a few times (sometimes only once) it will not take a proper charge anymore.

dc_98_cam · 12-08-2007, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curry

Do you let your system play with the car OFF?

Have you ever killed that battery? Usually if you discharge a battery a few times (sometimes only once) it will not take a proper charge anymore.

I read someplace ..... a normal auto battery is only designed to work with a 20% discharge .... Consequently, if your battery is rated to hold about 500 amp-hours of charge, you can only use 100 amp-hours, repetitively.
If you have a 500 watt system, and only play it at half power, you would draw (500/2)/12=20 amps ... approximately .... This 20 amp drain would mean that you could safely use the audio system for only 100/20=5 hours, and then have to run the engine/ drive for a sufficient period of time to charge the battery back to full charge. Also, an older battery ... after several years, would not even have the nominal rated charge storage ....
it might only hold 3 or 4 hundred amp-hours.

Suggest getting a deep-cycle battery before you buy the alternator.

parimento1 · 12-09-2007, 11:24 AM

Well, I think it was the negative battery connector that was loose, which was causing the battery to not have a good connection. The battery seems to hold a charge fine, and the alt is putting out 13.5 with all accessories on at idle. I am not 100% sure, I am going to try and start it shortly. To answer your questions, yes, the battery has been completely discharged twice due to a bad alternator around this time last year. Good thing I have a 7 year warranty on the battery. Also I am very careful NOT to listen to the stereo with the engine off, as I know that will be very hard on the battery.