Brake and battery dash light stays lit for a few min - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

awdark · 01-28-2006, 02:20 PM

When I start up my 91 corolla, the battery and brake lights don't go away until after I drive around for a few minutes. Everything feels fine though, should I be concerned?

Where the lights are on the dash:

***Tercel GTS*** · 01-28-2006, 02:31 PM

It can be either the brushes in the alternator are almost shot or the voltage regulator has a glitch. Both are inside the alternator.

***REN69*** · 01-28-2006, 04:00 PM

Usually brake and battery light means alternator or battery are dying on you. Get your battery checked at a shop that has the Voltage/Charge machine. If the battery is fine then the alternator is on its way out.

AdamF · 01-30-2006, 12:21 AM

On my 4Runner, when those 2 lights come on, it means the alternator is dying. Mine came on, but everything ran fine, for about 2 days. Then it died on me in traffic.

You should be able to replace just the brushes in the alternator. You can get them for $15 or so from the dealer. They come pre-soldered, just remove the alternator, and drop them in.

mrdennmann · 02-09-2006, 02:07 PM

It came on, and drove fine for a couple of days. I figured that my brake fluid was low. I topped it off, but the light stayed on. Then the car's power system started slowing down. I tried to get it home, but it died on I-5 on the bridge between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, WA.

I replaced the Alternator, and the battery was fairly new. The light went out, but now the car only runs for perhaps 15 minutes before it dies.

I'm still trying to resolve the issue, if anyone has any ideas, I'd be happy to hear some answers.

***REN69*** · 02-09-2006, 02:49 PM

What do you mean by... before it dies. Can you elaborate a little more?

cam76034 · 02-09-2006, 03:54 PM

Probably a DOA "rebuilt" alternator. That's why I didn't go with a "rebuilt" . Your 15 minutes is how long it takes before the battery completely drains without being recharged.

TBayToyotaBoy · 02-11-2006, 04:38 AM

Also remember that most places rebuild alternators with half-ass voltage regulators. If the battery isn't fully charged when you first fire it up, the volt reg can blow. It's happened to me before, and it sucks taking the bus back to the shop for another rebuild.