franbev

I've noticed that when driving our '02 ES 300 will on occasion have a sudden increase in amperage from the alternator. The fan will go to full power, some brake warning lights will be displayed and both headlights, if on, will burn out. After a few seconds the surge goes away and things return to normal (except the headlights). Is the regulator built into the alternator or is there some other relay involved? While I'm getting good at switching headlight bulbs I'd just as soon solve this problem.

ES300NZ

Hey dude, my guess is the alternator is on the way out, as you said specifically the regulator (which is in the alternator). These surges could do alot of damage, I would attend to this quickly, and replace the entire alternator which is a 10-15 minute job.