Charging light question - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Valkyrie90AE92 · 10-21-2005, 03:57 PM

Hi
My car just showed me the discharge warning light (at least I think that is what it is called). It is the light under the speedo that looks like a batery, next to the "BRAKE" light. The "BRAKE" light also came on (yes, my parking brake was off), and wouldnt go away, either. I checked the battery connection, but it is tight, and the car still seems to run well (I left her in the driveway just to avoid being stranded). Belts seem rather tight, too. I just read the Haynes process for the checking of the charging system, so i will be trying that later in the day. Is it likely that alternator is giving up (well, it is only 15 years old....)? How hard is it to change it?

Thanks
1990 Toyota Corolla

***REN69*** · 10-21-2005, 04:19 PM

I've probably posted at least 10 times before regarding the battery and brake light warning. Your alternator or battery are now dead get the battery tested at an autoshop, if it passes the charging test, then your alternator is gone. I'm putting my money on the alternator for sure. So when you think about it the light is really telling you.. "stop and get your charging system checked!"

Liter · 10-21-2005, 04:40 PM

I had always found a easy way with my car to tell when the alternator is going. TUrn headlights on and rev engine,if lights become brighter during the rev. Then your alternator is on the way out. Not usre if it worls for everyone but works for me.

KnightX_AE86 · 10-21-2005, 09:01 PM

i hate REN69!!! he always beats me to things....
my way of doin it.... VOLT METER =)

canadianae92 · 10-21-2005, 09:54 PM

I also had the battery light and emergancy brake light come on for what seem to be no reason untill the lights started to dim then my car died.. and it turned out to be some wiring gone loose in the alternator

rice · 10-21-2005, 10:03 PM

hey, same thing happened on my 94, and i've heard that this gen is prone to alternator failures, replace the alternator, it shouldn't cost less than $150 or so for a brand new one , maybe cheaper be sure to trade in the old one for the new, good luck, try to install it yourself if you're low on cash, it's actually quite simple and easy to install, just make sure the belt is tight enough when you're done, good luck

***REN69*** · 10-21-2005, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnightX_AE86

i hate REN69!!! he always beats me to things....
my way of doin it.... VOLT METER =)

I was going to mention that too. If you do have a voltmeter, you'll notice the voltage going under 12V as its usually in the middle if it's leaning way to close to the low side then you know for sure you got a charging problem. Also if your car won't start sometimes and you have to keep boosting it, then you know for sure you're not getting enough charge going to the battery to keep it working properly.

Valkyrie90AE92 · 10-24-2005, 04:40 PM

Thank you, gentlemen!

turns out it was the battery that went bad. I thought it was the alternator at first, so i had ripped it out. At least now I can do it whenever it ever actually goes out

Working on this car is easy!! especially compared to my 300ZX....