Thomasin

Hi everyone,

Recently the instrument panel of my 10 LS460 shuts off itself intermittently while the car is still running. After the system restarts itself 2 seconds later, there is a message entitled "electronic equipment is limited". During the shut off time, the steering wheel loses power too. Thank god I am still alive.

Getting to the point here. Dealer said the alternator is defective so it does not charge the battery properly to power the instrument panel. Here is the quote: OEM Lexus alternator $1150 + Labour approx $600 (the total cost is even more than the 90k service of my LS430 ) . When I called my mechanic friend in Hong Kong, he said a substitute Denso alternator will also work half the price. The problem is whether there are any of such parts considering my car's age. I prefer to have a new one than re-manufactured ones to be more hassle-free. Is it worth trying (that means I have to have the repair done in an independent mechanic)?

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated!
Thank you and have a nice day!