LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Charging system problem

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Old 03-05-14, 06:25 PM
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dc893
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Question Charging system problem

I installed a new alternator on Monday and one time that night driving through town all my warning lights had come on and the a/c panel dimmed a little. I had no warning lights before the alternator was replaced. This is a 1992 LS.

I disconnected the battery for a few minutes and then connected everything back up and turned the car on. The warning lights were still on for about a minute then they all turned back off.

I have tried to disconnecting the alternator and reconnecting it a couple times with the same results.

These warning lights have been coming on at random times.

Today I had the battery tested. Its a Optima red top that is about 1 year old.

Battery voltage 12.42
Measured 682 CCA
Rated 800 CCA

Starter Test
Voltage 10.59
amps 0.0

Charging system test
no load 14.14
loaded 14.10

I plan to get the battery tested again in the morning after it has been sitting overnight. Anybody have any other ideas about what would cause this issue after replacing the alternator?
Old 03-05-14, 07:35 PM
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LScowboyLS
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what "warning lights" are you referring to?

this sounds like possibly an issue on your wiring up of the alternator, rather than a battery condition issue, but sometimes batteries will fool you and bad alternators can kill batteries over time.

it definitely sounds like bad or incorrect connections in either the battery or alternator area, or the battery itself, and especially if the battery is 4 or more years old

Last edited by LScowboyLS; 03-06-14 at 09:30 AM.
Old 03-06-14, 05:57 AM
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python
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12.42 is a low battery..12.6 is optimum @ around 70 degrees f
http://www.buchanan1.net/lead_acid.shtml
ur also low on the cca I see..ur alternator is not meant to charge only maintain..a low battery that's bad will cause ur alternator to over work itself
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