lextout

The 95 LS400 with air ride we have has been acting up lately, mechanic says it has a failed alternator. Can i use any alternator from a 95-2000 ls400, or is it exclusively 95-97?

Also the replacement alternator i get does the donor car have to have air ride on it?


Also i have a check engine light on that came right after i had a new battery installed(before alternator issue), and shouldn't it have thrown a red battery light on the cluster instead?

Your help is greatly appreciated guys and i couldn't turn anyone better then this forum, thanks in advance.

dc893

The air ride shoudn't matter on the alternator used. If you do need an alternator, I suggest just getting a new one. Finding one for under or around $200. A re manufactured one might also be cheaper. You might get a corp charge if the part is bought at a local store. It's always good to have a warranty just in case you do get a faulty part. Just my 2 cents. I have had some bad luck with used parts in the past.

lexfrmtx

iTrader: (1)

When I first purchased my Lexus (95), I too had the battery charge check light on. I thought it was just a loose wire or terminals. I cleaned them, bought new clamps and caps and tightened them to no avail. I even bought a new battery and alternator and the light was still on. Just here recently I got the check engine light (code P1600). I took it to a mechanic (no Lexus dealers in my area) and he said the output for the alternator is not correct. I told him it was a fairly new alternator and he suggested I purchase a Lexus alternator. Since I was going to go to Dallas, I went ahead and purchased one ($400) . I haven’t had a chance to put it in, but I’m crossing my fingers this is all I need. I’m hoping that the factory alternator and clearing the code will turn off my Christmas tree dash board (just kidding I only have two lights on).

steve2006

If you have the check engine light on have you had the codes read to see why it is on?

lextout

Exactly! i have the same code 1600, something that says battery malfunction, but i dont have the battery light on, i have the check engine on instead.Btw the car has 81k miles if that matters, i heard people with cars that got 200k on them with the original alternator.

lexfrmtx

iTrader: (1)

When I purchased the car the battery light and brake light were on but no check engine light. I've fixed the brake light but i could not get the battery light to come off. My car has over 205,xxx miles and recently threw the check engine light (P1600). I've heard that is rare for the car to start when this code is thrown, but mine turns on and runs just fine. I'm hesitant to use it until i can fix this problem, and i'm hoping the new alternator from Lexus fixes the problem. Unfortunately I'm on call and will be stuck at the office this weekend.

valex

I changed mine at around 110K miles on a 1999 LS, OEM was around $400, but I was told to buy OEM electrical parts.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Dead alternator typically throws a CEL, battery and brake light. Depending how good your battery is, it can run the car from 5-20 minutes. I've not noticed any particular patterns among the LS's with alternator life span, mine went out at 118K miles. Now if the PS is leaking fluid on the alternator, that is common to see them die. I would also suggest the factory Toyota part over other sources.

SkulCracka

denso reman for 134 and beck/arnley for 109 both pluss vore charge. rockauto.com both of these are oem. i prefer the denso.

DENSO Part # 2100174 Reman
$134.79 $34.00 $168.79

BECK/ARNLEY Part # 1860790 Remanufactured; May Not Include Pulley

$109.79 $60.00 $169.79

http://www.densoaftermarket.com/alte...alternator.php

lextout

at one point the voltage meter read 12v, then after driving it for an hour it jumped to 13.5 after replacing the 2 day NEW battery with a new one. Yet i still have a ce light on, the car drives normal , will a bad alternator cause a car to drive funny or have a lack of power?

lexfrmtx

iTrader: (1)

I’m curious, are you still using the factory alternator? Or have you replaced it and are using an aftermarket one?

SpencerT

Yes. Your headlights will dim and radio will cut off when you hit the brakes as your battery drains.
When the battery is completely dead, the car will die if you let it idle.

denverdog

if you have any idea of getting a HUGE POWER stereo in the future, you might want to get a higher output alternator now, and not have to replace it later..

SpencerT

I would get a higher output alternator if mine ever failed regardless of future stereo plans.
I still get a very slight dimming of the headlights when I hit the brakes if I have been listening to music with alot of base turned up loud for awhile. Thats with the stock pioneer system.

LS400BOY

I say always get a second or third opinion if taken to a shop