help help ('93 stalling)
02-25-08, 11:05 PM
#3
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: NY
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Just to see if I can help. My 96LS was cutting off when my radio and other accessories were running, but especially the radio. It turned out that I needed my alternator changed. All is well now. I don't know if yours is a similar situation as mine. One more thing that I total forgot about that was tell tale sign. When my car was parking with the engine on at night, I remember when I lowered my window I noticed that the lights were dimming slightly. If it wasn't at night I wouldn't have even noticed it. When that happened I really didn't make anything of it. That was when I looked and thought that should have indicated something wrong with the electrical. Just FYI. Good luck.
ONE more thing...from what I've been told when you change your alternator you should also change the battery as well...that is from forum members and my mechanic(s)...
Last edited by en11871; 02-25-08 at 11:07 PM. Reason: additional suggestions
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03-12-08, 09:04 AM
#10
Spot on with Och -- Altenator/Battery first -- Then Fuel pump, filter, lines.
Easy, easy test for a failing or bad altenator.
Get out your multimeter (or go buy one from walmart or radioshack for 20$) -- I use mine all the time. So a good investment.
Anyhow. Put it on DC, and about 30. -- Now touch the red wire to the positive (+) terminal and black wire to the negative (-) terminal . *When the car is off*.
What is this reading? -- It should run somewhere ~12volts.
If so, your battery is most likely ok. If it runs 11.88 ,.. still ok. If your dripping down close to 10.. not good.
Now,.. start the car. Same process -- Read the increase in voltage. I haven't tested the Lexus specifically with the multimeter so I don't know the common charge on it. However it should be HIGHER than it was when the engine is on, and should read at least 14Volts.. if you read 12.x -- You aren't getting enough charge.
Also. While keeping the engine on, positive and negative terminals attached.. Put your meter where you can see it, and reach over by the throttle body and slowly rev the engine up a bit. Hold it revved a few seconds (don't try to blow the engine hehe) -- The meter should pick up as the engine revs.
It is usually fairly obvious when an alternator is bad.
However,.. your engine should not start if the alternator is bad. A new battery will run the car for a day , maybe two.. if lucky -- but once that charge is used, it isn't going to have the cranking amperage without a steady charge from the alternator.
Now if it keeping enough charge to start -- It could be a 'failing' alternator as well (or not the alternator at all). That is where this little test I am explaining comes in.
Give us the numbers at 'engine off' -- 'engine on' -- and 'with a little bit of revving of the engine'.
Also, take a good look at your alternator,.. make sure your Power Steering pump isn't leaking in on it. Common problem and reason the alternators go out on LS's. Just a tip.
Good luck
Easy, easy test for a failing or bad altenator.
Get out your multimeter (or go buy one from walmart or radioshack for 20$) -- I use mine all the time. So a good investment.
Anyhow. Put it on DC, and about 30. -- Now touch the red wire to the positive (+) terminal and black wire to the negative (-) terminal . *When the car is off*.
What is this reading? -- It should run somewhere ~12volts.
If so, your battery is most likely ok. If it runs 11.88 ,.. still ok. If your dripping down close to 10.. not good.
Now,.. start the car. Same process -- Read the increase in voltage. I haven't tested the Lexus specifically with the multimeter so I don't know the common charge on it. However it should be HIGHER than it was when the engine is on, and should read at least 14Volts.. if you read 12.x -- You aren't getting enough charge.
Also. While keeping the engine on, positive and negative terminals attached.. Put your meter where you can see it, and reach over by the throttle body and slowly rev the engine up a bit. Hold it revved a few seconds (don't try to blow the engine hehe) -- The meter should pick up as the engine revs.
It is usually fairly obvious when an alternator is bad.
However,.. your engine should not start if the alternator is bad. A new battery will run the car for a day , maybe two.. if lucky -- but once that charge is used, it isn't going to have the cranking amperage without a steady charge from the alternator.
Now if it keeping enough charge to start -- It could be a 'failing' alternator as well (or not the alternator at all). That is where this little test I am explaining comes in.
Give us the numbers at 'engine off' -- 'engine on' -- and 'with a little bit of revving of the engine'.
Also, take a good look at your alternator,.. make sure your Power Steering pump isn't leaking in on it. Common problem and reason the alternators go out on LS's. Just a tip.
Good luck
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