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On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 12:21:20 -0400, Mark
<mytrash9_NOSPAM@bellsouth.net> wrote:
[color=blue]
>I have a '90 4Runner 4x4 with 300,000 miles. While on vacation I
>parked the truck in a cool and damp location. Each day when the truck
>was first started I nitced that both the parking brake and battery
>light would come on along with the battery level meter being in the
>lower half to quarter of the operationg range. This would indicate the
>charging system is not charging the battery. But I am puzzled as to
>why the parking brake light was also on. Also, after driving for just
>3-7 minutes the charging system would start working again and would
>work for the rest of the day.
>
>This continued on for the week until it came time to make the trip
>home. That morning the charging failed to kick in until after a couple
>of hours. It works fine while at home, since it is stored in a dry
>garage.
>
>I suspect there is a bad connection where moisture is condesing and is
>opening the circuit. After awhile it dries out and all is well. The
>question I have is what areas can the home mechanic check before
>taking it in to the shop? Do the parking and battery light being on
>point to a speciific component or area?[/color]

It's a quirk in the wiring, the lights all come on at once.

More than likely the brushes in the alternator are just worn out,
and for a while they would warm up and just make contact with the
rotor field slip rings - but that only lasts a few days.

Get that alternator rebuilt, or exchange it for a factory rebuild.
If money is tight you can get the parts and do it yourself.

--<< Bruce >>--