Electrical system gremlins... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Valkyrie90AE92 · 05-13-2006, 10:25 AM

Hi
I posted a few months ago about my charging system light coming on (http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t102945.html). After I got the new battery, it went away. Now, for the last couple of months or so, the light seems to come on. Weird thing is it doesnt do it that often. Last month, It kept coming on at least once per trip (I drive 20 miles to work, 20 back, and 13 miles to pick up my daughter from school), usually towards the end of the trip (pretty much when the engine has warmed up). Battery is brand new, I checked all the connections on the alternater. I changed the belt about a month ago, and it went away. Yesterday it came back. It would come on and off during the drive. It doesnt seem to have a consistent pattern to coming on and off. The belt is on there very tight, and all connections seem to be good. Am I looking at a crapped out alternator, or is there something else that I need to focus on? I am suspecting the alternator, but I would think that it would do it constantly and not intermittently...

Other than that, the car has been great! Bought it almost 8 months ago, and she has given me 12,000 miles of hassle free service. Not too shabby for a car with 194K on the clock

cuzman · 05-14-2006, 12:49 AM

Ther is a part in the alt that reglates the current and amps..it can work somtimes or not once faulty....then work for a bit more .i'd say bite the bullet and get a change over or if its got really low k's on it have it recoed by a good auto electrican

JUst an after thought make sure the auto lec checks its charging when your dash light comes on as this will eleminate any faulty wiring...
Also check all related fuses for a good connection..and heathy batt terminals

Valkyrie90AE92 · 05-14-2006, 08:33 AM

Well, I got it to an Autozone when the light came on (it isnt like I can plan it). It read that both the alternator and battery checked out. It really think it is the voltage regulator, so I'll replace the alternator. I'm pretty sure it is the original alternator in the car, so I dont feel too bad about changing it.