Alternator, Correct?
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Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 185
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From: Fl
Alternator, Correct?
I was driving 2 weeks ago with my system to the max and first noticed that the sound wasn't as loud as it should be. i turned off the radio and turned it back on, that is when i noticed all of the dash lamps dimming and my battery indicator came on. weired, since i bought a Diehard battery Back in june with a 3 year warranty. also all of the headlamps & tail lamps dimmed. i pressed on the brakes and the car shut off. after tat it didnt start. i jump started it but it just shuts right off. is this cause of the alternator? could it be anything else?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 10
From: Arizona
If you can get it running, you'll need to check the voltage supplied to the battery. Less than 13.2 volts indicates a problem with the alternator.
Normal is more than 14.2 volts, depending on the battery charge and condiction.
Otherwise, it will have to be removed and bench tested at an auto electric or alternator rebuild shop.
Your symptoms do indicate a faulty alternator
Normal is more than 14.2 volts, depending on the battery charge and condiction.
Otherwise, it will have to be removed and bench tested at an auto electric or alternator rebuild shop.
Your symptoms do indicate a faulty alternator
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 661
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
Even thought the battery is relatively new it could have gone bad. My 93 uses way to much "juice" even before I upgraded the stereo. My electrical problems were solved when I upgraded to a 1000 cranking amp battery.
If you don't have a voltage meter, charge the battery, crank the car, disconnect the positive terminal, a good alternator will alow the car to continue to run.
If you don't have a voltage meter, charge the battery, crank the car, disconnect the positive terminal, a good alternator will alow the car to continue to run.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,203
Likes: 0
From: California
For sure it sounds like an alternator problem. I went through 3 stock rebuilt alternator before i found my current alternator which has 165 amps. no problems since. and its a stable 14 volts driving or idling. The stock alternator is only 80 amps but drops down to about 60 amps once the car gets hot. The stock alternator was made to run with stock accessories but once you add things like an aftermarket sound system it puts a hughe drain on the alternator. i would upgrade your alternator if you have an aftermarket sound system. The first gen gs came with really crappy ones. its made just to handle all the stock stuff.
Originally Posted by Jmai22
For sure it sounds like an alternator problem. I went through 3 stock rebuilt alternator before i found my current alternator which has 165 amps. no problems since. and its a stable 14 volts driving or idling. The stock alternator is only 80 amps but drops down to about 60 amps once the car gets hot. The stock alternator was made to run with stock accessories but once you add things like an aftermarket sound system it puts a hughe drain on the alternator. i would upgrade your alternator if you have an aftermarket sound system. The first gen gs came with really crappy ones. its made just to handle all the stock stuff.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,203
Likes: 0
From: California
i don't mind sharing good information. i got mine from 4alterstart.com. you have to call in to get the 165 amp alternator. its great because they even give you a print out of your alternator performance.
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