redrocks

Noticed the warning indicator on dash,linage of a battery, this morning. Thought maybe battery needed to be replaced? So got replacement battery and installed it, but warning light still on. Ideas what could be wrong?

Thanks.

SouthernSS

did you get your alternator checked for proper operation? If not, you may be damaging that brand new battery too.

caha14

Chances are your alternator is not charging the battery, so you'll want to drive to a shop/dealership that's preferably nearby, and keep you AC and other accessories off so that you have enough juice to get there (in case it is the alternator isn't charging).

redrocks

Thanks for the recommendation.

telmz1

iTrader: (1)

I had the same situation a few months back and had to replace the alternator. Luckily I was able to get home when my whole navigation system kept turning off and on whenever i hit the brakes.

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

Reset the ECU to rid the light and see if it comes back...if it does, your alternator is probably the issue.

redrocks

Is "resetting the ECU" just a matter of disconnecting the battery?

Booyah

I think it would be beneficial to go get it checked

redrocks

Absolutely, got an. Appointment for other work next Tuesday and will have this Checked

caha14

Great. I'm assuming you won't be driving it between now and then? If your alternator is not charging, the truck will shut down on you if you drive it long.

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

Disconnecting the negative battery cable will reset the ECU. As well as pulling the fuse.

redrocks

Thanks, I will try it.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

The charging system light is not a light that is triggered by a code set in the ECU - it is triggered by low charging voltage or low system voltage - when the problem goes away, so does the light.

If the vehicle has a new battery that is good, all of your grounds are proper and fuses are in good condition (including the alternator or main fuse), then, pretty much the only other alternative is the alternator... I would park the truck until I was ready to get it checked or fixed.

There is an easy quick check you can do in your driveway with a simple voltmeter... Start the truck, put the voltmeter leads on the battery terminals. less than 13 volts, faulty alternator, more than 14.5 volts, faulty alternator - those two are dead giveaways... between the two, the alternator could still be bad, just not putting out enough amperage...

redrocks

Seems like it's the alternator. Kind of disappointed that this would need replacing with only 71K on an 06 GX. I've had Hondas and Acuras, all with over 150K miles on them and never had to replace their alternators. One would expect a GX to have a heavy duty alternator? Oh well...

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

unfortunately, all alternators are built pretty much the same... that being said, 71k is not terribly long, but things happen... main cause for alternators going bad is some sort of fluid contaminating them... most alternators on Toyota vehicles go 200k plus, same as Hondas and Acuras, but, they still go bad...