GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

still having alternator problems, please help

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Old 02-20-15, 10:52 PM
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gsean400
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Default still having alternator problems, please help

Alright, so its almost been a year now,and my car still wont charge when i am stopped, this happens ONLY in drive. I am really frustrated cause my alternator did fail at 1 point and i had it rebuilt and it has never been the same since, i was told it was the brushes that were messed up and that was what they had changed. Second rebuild it was the bearings.

What do you guys think? I went to get a rebuild once again today and i explained my problem. They told me the alternator was working fine, i went to another shop and they also said it was working fine, went to auto zone and had them bench it, and it also passed!.

What could the problem be?

I was thinking bad connection, so today i wired in a new alternator plug, soldered heat shrinked and wrapped.
I also went as far as buying 0 guage wires and i went ahead and did the big 3 upgrade, actually big 4. But i didnt stop there! also bought brand new gold plated battery terminals..

Maybe my idle is too low?, i read threads saying that 450-500 is normal while in drive. So tomarrow i will be cleaning the throttle body, maf sensor and a new air filter just to eliminate that.

Maybe the battery even if it tested good?

Maybe they changed out my voltage regulator and didnt tell me and they used a cheapo, should i buy\ where to buy a authentic lexus\toyota regulator and put it in myself since it is right in the back?

I really want to go oem but i fear it might not solve the. Problem, what does anyone suggest
Old 02-21-15, 06:08 AM
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marshun
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isnt there relays for low rpms and higher rpms? because the faster the alternator spins, the more energy is created. i hope that helps you out some.

sorry if this sounds crazy. its been a long time since ive seen this problem (i work on a lot of different cars)
Old 02-21-15, 10:53 AM
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mexikan
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Default alternator

Check the belt tensioner.... pulley size could've been changed when you had it rebuilt,voltage regulators are rarely replaced because they're not cheap......Buy a new alternator..... from the dealer... that will solve your problem. ..
Old 02-21-15, 12:52 PM
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FrankT
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Could be the slip rings are worn beyond service.
Open it up there is not much to them lots of write ups and diy videos.
Personally I would not trust a re-builder, mostly because they wont care as much as you would to get it right and its to easy enough to do yourself.

If I were you, I would buy new or get one off a salvage and put new brushes in it yourself.
Old 02-21-15, 01:29 PM
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daddyduke
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OEM or junk our only options.
Old 02-21-15, 07:25 PM
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gsean400
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Originally Posted by mexikan
Check the belt tensioner.... pulley size could've been changed when you had it rebuilt,voltage regulators are rarely replaced because they're not cheap......Buy a new alternator..... from the dealer... that will solve your problem. ..
Checked, the pulley size has not been changed and the belt is still on tight as usual
Old 02-21-15, 07:34 PM
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gsean400
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Originally Posted by FrankT
Could be the slip rings are worn beyond service.
Open it up there is not much to them lots of write ups and diy videos.
Personally I would not trust a re-builder, mostly because they wont care as much as you would to get it right and its to easy enough to do yourself.

If I were you, I would buy new or get one off a salvage and put new brushes in it yourself.
Yes i would much rather do repair work myself if possible. New oem might be my next step, i just want to make sure this is the problem. If everyone is telling me the alternator is fine, what could the problem be?
Old 02-21-15, 07:38 PM
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gsean400
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Just did the throttle body cleaning and maf sensor cleaning and still have the problem, my idle did go up in drive from 400-450 to about550-600. Better but still not good enough to charge the battery, Any input on what my next steps should be?
Old 02-23-15, 11:06 AM
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KeyKeeper
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get a new alternator from Lexus. Bring a friend with a defib so he can bring you back after you pay the price for it....
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