Dead batteries. . .

[Black Sunshine]

In our Sienna the charging system has proven to be the weakest link. I have replaced numerous alternators and batteries. I've checked all of the wiring to make sure there wasn't any problems there. I think that the fact of the matter is that the alternator is just wimpy. I think that I read that these are rated at 100 amps.

Most all Sienna's have two AC systems and daytime running lamps. Mine also has a factory amplified stereo. I believe that the alternator in our vans is just not sufficient to run all of these accessories in extreme conditions. High temperatures can lower alternator output. It is frequently well over 100 degrees here. I suspect that it is even hotter near the asphalt.

Throughout most of the summer my electrical system will threaten to fail during stop and go driving. The most noticeable thing that it does is speed and slow the HVAC fans when you start and stop. This is a huge indicator that your battery is really low.

I have fought this problem since 2007. It showed up within only a couple of weeks of moving here. I bought a high output alternator from Motorcity Reman. It died not long after getting it. I need to send it back and get them to send me another. It's supposed to be rated for 200 amps and half that at idle. I didn't mention before that we also have a flip-down DVD. I'll see how it works when they send it back later. Overall I've stabilized this problem by just using AutoZone warrantied parts and returning them once a year.

My question to my fellow Sienna owners and the reason for this post is: Why the heck do the head lights turn on and not turn off if you open a door other than the driver's door? We will walk out to our van, open it with the remote, put the key in it and turn it on to get a CD out or DVD from the flip-down, turn it off, close and lock the doors. Then the lights will stay on. If you open and close the driver's side door the lights will go off. Is this feature working correctly? Does anyone with intimate DTRL knowledge know how to disable this without disabling the DTRLs.

We like the added safety that DTLRs offer but this has bitten us way to many times. I once tried to disable the DTRLs but all of the relays in the module beside the battery also disabled the headlights.

[uibalnme]

With that many electrical accessories, you may want to get a deep cycle battery like an Optima Yellow Top or a Die Hard Platinum.