Alternator ?'s - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

CMD88 · 12-18-2003, 05:15 PM

1988 Camry/Wagon 3SFE 182K
Hey guys after doing some searching and reading I found out that I'm going to need a new alternator. As I was driving today three idiot lights came on, all at the same time. The Emergency brake, the battery light, and the light that tells you if one of your tail lights is out. Someone else posted these same symptons a while back and it seems that a new alternator was the fix. ?
While driving home this evening with the headlights on (b/c it was dark) my interior lights got very dim when these lights came on. When I turned off the radio to save as much power as I could the lights brightened up and the idiot lights went off; but they came on again and stayed on.
My questions are really:
1. Do ya'll think that this is what is the problem?
2. Where should I go to get the alternator? Toyota, Advanced Auto, Pep Boys.? I want a good one with a warranty, one that was designed for a camry.
But 182K, and 15 years on the original one is not too shabby.
Thanks,
Chris

carlosalfaro · 12-18-2003, 06:51 PM

Your local auto parts shop should be able to get you a new one (great if you don't mind spending the money) or you can get a rebuilt one for a lot of savings. I had one for my 88 camry - its a few years old now - about 4 and it is working fine. My mechanic got me one also for the (sentra) lat car I had and it was also rebuilt and it is working ok.

That is an option - another is a junk yard. The problem with that is the lenght of time it has been exposed to elements and not used. but its usually cheap - hope that helps

p.s. the rebuilt ones come with warranty - dont remember how long it is

***Phi*** · 12-18-2003, 06:51 PM

considering the age of your car, I wouldn't spend big bucks on an OEM alternator. Just get a re-built from a reputable dealer

Rycam · 12-18-2003, 07:56 PM

On Toyota trucks, the consensus of opinion is that you merely need to replace the carbon brushes in the alternator. I have yet to do this on Toyotas (they last a looong time) but have done it on AC/Delco units before.
The approximate cost is $4-$15 for the brushes.
It is a sad fact that your old alternator may last at least five more years, and an AutoZone alternator may last 5 months. I drive a 1991, and got a used (and as yet untested) alternator for about $25 at a junkyard. It will be rebuilt, or used as a tester/temporory/or core whenever needed. NEVER turn in a part like this until you are satisfied with the replacement. Too many good parts are turned in, just to find out the problem is elsewhere.

Rycam · 12-18-2003, 08:02 PM

Link to Toyota truck tech article:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...nator_brushes/

Most import alternators would likely be similar.

CMD88 · 12-19-2003, 10:29 AM

Thanks guys for the responses. Do you all think that its a better idea to just replace the brushes or to get a entire new alternator?
Obviously from a cost perspective it is more feasable to just replace the brushes. However will the unit last as long as getting a new/rebuilt one?
Also do the directions from the link above about toyota trucks apply to the camry's alt.? Are they the same.
Thanks,
Chris

carlosalfaro · 12-19-2003, 12:34 PM

based on my experience I say a rebuilt one - i have had 2

but i never personally replaced the brushes so it may be a better option that i might try in the future - and sounds much much cheaper

CMD88 · 12-19-2003, 08:41 PM

Hey guys I spoke to the dealership and they have to order the parts so they will not arrive until Tuesday. In the mean time I may look for a rebuilt one. Where should I look? You all said a reputable place; Advanced Auto type places? or somewhere more specialized.
I really wanted to get this worked out this weekend, preferably on Saturday. Thanks for the help.
Chris

***Tercel GTS*** · 12-19-2003, 08:46 PM

Look in your yellow pages for an alternator rebuilder in your area, have them check it, if it only needs brushes that should be around $25 if you hand him the alternator. If it needs diodes, get a salvage yard replacement. I found a few in your area,

Hull

CMD88 · 12-19-2003, 08:50 PM

Thanks Tercel GTS for the quick responce. If it is more than brushes, is there any brands I should consider and some I should stay away from? Sorry for so many questions, this is the first time I've ever had to replace an alternator.

Thanks,
Chris

***Tercel GTS*** · 12-19-2003, 08:58 PM

Sure man, make sure a replacement looks exactly like your original, same color plugs and all. Replacement diodes aren't worth the time to install them. Brushes are cheap.

CMD88 · 12-19-2003, 09:05 PM

Thanks man for tip. I guess that I'll look at the brand of the alternator and go from there.
I started it up after work this evening after it sat all day(its a secind car) and it started just fine, no lights or anything. I guess that it just starting to go. Although my idle seemed super high and stayed that way for much longer than normal. Could that be related to the alternator needing to be replaced?
Thanks,
Chris

***Tercel GTS*** · 12-19-2003, 09:09 PM

Yes, the alternator may drive the choke. Try tapping the back lightly and see if it doesn't start sharging. But it sounds like it's already given all of the warning signs. Fix it soon or the parts list will soon include a regulator and a battery, then starter....

CMD88 · 12-19-2003, 09:12 PM

oh man I don't want any more potential repair costs. Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out first thing in the morning.
Thanks,
Chris

Rycam · 12-19-2003, 10:55 PM

CMD88, sorry! I have yet to actually rebuild a Toy alternator. They are really that good! I drive a 1984 Toy 4x4 (190k+ miles) , a 1990 Camry (145K miles), and my parents 1991 Camry(120k miles). all of them on their original starters and alternators.

A local shop may do you good (and cheap if you take the part in to have them work on it). I personally would risk a new brush set. I do have faith in my own abilities, but you do not have to believe my hype about the rebuild. I took a look at the alternator I got at the junkard, but there is a cover over the backside that is keeping me from comparing it to the Toy truck starter in the link I furnished yesterday. I'm dog tired on a Friday night

If you do decide on a "rebuilt" alternator. check the web-prices first, as the national retailers may have a lower price on the web than in the store. Kragen stores have no problem matching their web-price!!

My biggest concern in my own experience is that 'LIFETIME WARRANTIES" are a big heap of sh=t, and that there is a reason why a FACTORY TOYOTA PART LASTS 15 YEARS, while a part from an automotive retailer lasts 15 MONTHS!!