alternator is gone - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

AXMACD · 10-18-2011, 08:26 PM

just rolled over 75k and the dealer informed me my alternator is on its way out. i posted a thread earlier about a noise my HL was making when the engine was turned off. the alternator is making this noise. at 75k i don't think this should be an issue.

***sweeneyp*** · 10-18-2011, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AXMACD

just rolled over 75k and the dealer informed me my alternator is on its way out. i posted a thread earlier about a noise my HL was making when the engine was turned off. the alternator is making this noise. at 75k i don't think this should be an issue.

That does seem way early. My parents '99 Lexus LX470 has 330k miles on it with original alternator. My old '94 jeep grand cherokee has 160k miles with original alternator.... Hell, I've never replaced an alternator on my parents or my vehicles. Only thing I can think of is it having to recharge the battery way to much causing early failure (or some major electronic install that taxed the alternator), or you got a lemon. Just curious, what kind of noise is it causing?

Gotta love how everything goes bad after the 60k mile warranty

that sucks

***TrailDust*** · 10-18-2011, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweeneyp

Just curious, what kind of noise is it causing?

Ditto, I'm curious too.

Regarding the alternator, it may well be one of those flukes. After four years with this generation of Highlander and there haven't been any significant reports of alternator failures (at least in this forum), so again it's probably a fluke.

AXMACD · 10-19-2011, 12:32 AM

I really don't want to pay $800 for this fluke.. I'll upload a video of the sound tomorrow.

***sweeneyp*** · 10-19-2011, 12:42 AM

800 dollars? is that at the stealership? You can get a 150 amp alternator (an Autozone duralast one) for $220 dollars. I'm sure you can probably get a local garage to install that part for less than $580 dollars. Saving yourself some $$$.

I know the OEM one is right at $600 (150 amp again, non towing package 130 amp one is $400), but you should be able to find a high quality aftermarket one for less than that. (though I've never used aftermarket as I've never had to replace them...) Hopefully somebody might be able to post some good non-OEM alternatives.

***TrailDust*** · 10-19-2011, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AXMACD

I really don't want to pay $800 for this fluke.. I'll upload a video of the sound tomorrow.

I feel your pain...I wouldn't either....

AXMACD · 10-19-2011, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweeneyp

800 dollars? is that at the stealership? You can get a 150 amp alternator (an Autozone duralast one) for $220 dollars. I'm sure you can probably get a local garage to install that part for less than $580 dollars. Saving yourself some $$$.

I know the OEM one is right at $600 (150 amp again, non towing package 130 amp one is $400), but you should be able to find a high quality aftermarket one for less than that. (though I've never used aftermarket as I've never had to replace them...) Hopefully somebody might be able to post some good non-OEM alternatives.

My Highlander is a Canadian version, so I think it has the towing package (without the hitch).. They quoted me $400 for the part + tax and roughly 3 hours of labor @ $95/hour + tax.....

tagheuer · 10-19-2011, 08:36 AM

stories like this make me wonder if I should have bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee instead.

I hope this is not a typical failure...very un-Toyota like.

Keep us posted, hopefully you get more answers and a better price.

This seems like a very premature failure, it doesn't seem like alternators fail often that early.

tunene24 · 10-19-2011, 09:59 AM

for that u could get this alternator way better https://www.dcpowerinc.com/fit/2008~...36-320-hp.html

***sweeneyp*** · 10-19-2011, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tunene24

for that u could get this alternator way better https://www.dcpowerinc.com/fit/2008~...36-320-hp.html

haha 320 amps, that's a serious upgrade. you would have to upgrade all the wiring (and main alternator fuse) as well if you installed that. The highlander stock wiring is 4 gauge from the + terminal, and has like 4 8 gauge ground wires. NO way it could handle 320 amps, you would have melting wires everywhere haha. Even the 180 amp they offer would be too much for stock wiring. better stick with 150 max as that is what 4 guage is rated at

tunene24 · 10-19-2011, 11:27 AM

not true at all i have the 320 on my car with the system i didn't have to replace no wires and non melt he could get the 180 it just depends of ur battery u dont want to recharge it too much, but since i have 2 batteries 5600 amps to charge i have an alternator like that

***sweeneyp*** · 10-19-2011, 11:30 AM

wait your running 320 amps through 4 gauge wire? How are you not blowing the factory fuse (its only 140 amps)? Your definitely braver than I am on running power lines (I already upgraded the big 3).

tunene24 · 10-19-2011, 11:33 AM

this alternator comes with 2 outputs 160 each u conect 1 with the regular plug and the second 1 directly to my 2 battery duh!

***sweeneyp*** · 10-19-2011, 11:34 AM

OH that explains alot, split the output. I was thinking 320 on 1 terminal

haha

MikeyD25 · 10-19-2011, 10:25 PM

Did the dealership specify exactly what's wrong with the alternator? I would get a second opinion from a reputable mechanic. Alternators can be repaired - but they must be removed from the vehicle. I've replaced several through the years (a starter too), but they were reconditioned models (no, never repaired one myself) bought from the local auto parts supplier.

The cost of a reconditioned alternator is much cheaper than that of a new OEM one. Also, there's NO GUARANTEE that a new OEM alternator will last any longer than a reconditioned one.

Your best option might be to get a reconditioned alternator and have a reputable garage/mechanic install it, or do it yourself.

Good luck!

MD