bad altenator??

[totalreborn]

lately light in my car such as the gauge cluster, temperature, and clock have been getting dim...but when i press the gas it lights up...sometimes the clock totally goes away...and after some time of constant driving on the highhway it comes back...im thinking its because its my altenator...would simple cleaning it with altenator cleaner do the trick..or is i something else...thanks

[fredk]

be sure the belt is tight

[Mike Gerber]

If tightening the belt doesn't help, most auto parts stores will test the battery and alternator for free. You can do it yourself at home with a DVM.

By the way, what is "alternator cleaner"?

Mike

[Corollacrazy42]

well one thing i noticed is that the alternator will give off a bad wurring noise (somewhat like a squeeking) while its running.. so if this is the case the alternator might be locking up. Oce i started my car and it let off a big squeek.. im kinda pissed too because i bought this new alternator from a 2003 highlander.. and its doing these exact things. Do you guys reccommend taking it back and getting a new one.. or try to get this one repaired.. this is the 130 amp one btw..

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by Corollacrazy42

well one thing i noticed is that the alternator will give off a bad wurring noise (somewhat like a squeeking) while its running.. so if this is the case the alternator might be locking up. Oce i started my car and it let off a big squeek.. im kinda pissed too because i bought this new alternator from a 2003 highlander.. and its doing these exact things. Do you guys reccommend taking it back and getting a new one.. or try to get this one repaired.. this is the 130 amp one btw..

The squeak upon startup usually means the belt is loose. Tighten it up and see if that helps.

Mike

[totalreborn]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

If tightening the belt doesn't help, most auto parts stores will test the battery and alternator for free. You can do it yourself at home with a DVM.

By the way, what is "alternator cleaner"?

Mike

they have it at pepboys its a spray like the intake/throttle body cleaner spray...the caliper cleaner spray..they have a altenator cleaner spray

[05Cam-Weasel]

just clean it with the alternator cleaner spray you can find it at most places such as advanced and autozone