Alternator/Battery Problems - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

83celicaGT · 01-03-2006, 01:11 AM

BIG PROBLEM! Okay the red light keeps coming on in my car (the one that means the battery isnt charging) and my battery is going dead fast, i had to drive home from work so my friend jumped it and i started off, on the hwy (going 55mph) the light came on again. my battery drained quick as it was late and had my headlights on, my headlights got very dim and i could barely see. I got it home barely but dont know what the problem is. It only does it at high speeds and seems to stop when accelerating. I though maybe the belt was loose but my dad (who is a skilled mechanic) said the tighness was fine. My dad also is somewhat of an a-hole and leaves me to figure things out on my own. does anyone have any clue what i could do?? All i know is it is very cold when i drive home (35F to 40F) and it doesnt do it when i drive to work earlier in the day when it warmer.

maxpower_hd · 01-03-2006, 06:39 AM

It sounds like a bad alternator to me. You can easily test it by using a multimeter. An auto parts store can also test it but you have to be able to get it there. Get the battery charged so it will stay running for your test. Check your battery to see what your starting voltage is. It should be at least 12V, better to be slightly more to start. Once it's running you should be getting something around 14 or so to the battery in order for it to run everything and charge.

Get a service manual. It is an invaluable tool. It will tell you everything your father will not.

I have a mechanic friend that is sometimes the same way. Try telling him what you have already checked and why. Maybe he'll give you some other pointers once he realizes your trying everything you can think of.

Good luck!

83celicaGT · 01-03-2006, 02:06 PM

Hah! My Step-mom let slip that my dad thinks it's a bad alternator too! Now I just need to figure out how to test it...

spy801 · 01-03-2006, 04:07 PM

My dad also is somewhat of an a-hole and leaves me to figure things out on my own.

heh, sorry for smiling but your dad is only hoping you to be self sufficient and that can only be a good thing.
Anyway, back to the battery and altenator problem, yes it is the altenator, most likely the brushes, inexpensive part but needs some experience to replace. If you don't have time or don't want to do it yourself how about getting an reconditioned replacement altenator, shouldn't be too expensive and is very quick to replace. in the meantime take care of the battery and keep it charged at all times so you don't have to buy a new battery too. often when you start putting a lot of load on an old battery it will fail in the next few weeks. all that discharging and recharging will loosen lead particles and oxide and will short the plates inside. Never leave an acid battery discharged for even few hours.

83celicaGT · 01-12-2006, 12:36 AM

Well i just bought a battery about two months ago so im not too worried about that. A new alternator is 75 bucks, im thinking about just buying it new so i know it works right.

maxpower_hd · 01-12-2006, 06:55 AM

That's not a bad plan. I've had bad rebuilt starters and alternators in the past. You could also try the local salvage yard. If it doesn't work, they will usually let you swap it for another. At least my local guy will.

Did you test it yet? Use the meter like I mentioned in the first post. Then compare what you got after you install the new one. That way you'll know what to check fot he next time this happens and you won't have to ask your dad.

83celicaGT · 01-12-2006, 06:48 PM

I tested it and it runs at about 11.8 when lights and heater are on

***Tercel GTS*** · 01-12-2006, 07:00 PM

Take the alternator off and have a rebuilder replace the brushes. I do that for a living. It should cost about $10 - $25 depending on the rebuilder. Far cheaper than replacing it. You can also consider having them replace the bearings. Look in your yellow pages for automotive electrical to find local rebuilders.

maxpower_hd · 01-13-2006, 10:33 AM

Once you fix it you should see more like 14V with the engine running.

Good luck. Let us know how you make out.

lcarocha · 01-17-2006, 03:19 PM

IC regulator and/or rectifier (not sure if the voltage regulator is integranted in the alternator like the 5th gens)

83celicaGT · 01-17-2006, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcarocha

IC regulator and/or rectifier (not sure if the voltage regulator is integranted in the alternator like the 5th gens)

Thats like another language to me...

***Tercel GTS*** · 01-17-2006, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tercel GTS

Take the alternator off and have a rebuilder replace the brushes. I do that for a living. It should cost about $10 - $25 depending on the rebuilder. Far cheaper than replacing it. You can also consider having them replace the bearings. Look in your yellow pages for automotive electrical to find local rebuilders.

^^ Did you do this yet?

83celicaGT · 01-22-2006, 11:07 AM

Turns out my alternator works fine. I was right when from the start when I thought that the belt was loose. I tightened it and it has been running at 14V for about a week now. Thanks for all your help though guys