Problems with charging system
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From: South Carolina
Problems with charging system
Today when I was driving the battery indicator light came on. I took the car to Walmart to get the battery checked and the battery is still good (The battery is 1yr old with a three yr warranty). Next I took my car to advance auto and got the alternator checked it turned out to be good. When I got home my capacitor in the trunk was beeping and the lights on the dash started dimming. The next day when crunk the car up it made a knocking noise in the engine, and the battery light was still on. Has anyone ever had these problems with their GS, or has any suggestions.
Check for corrosion on your battery terminals, and the wires. Sometimes they can do that. However, you may also want to check your wires leading to the alternator and starter. Mine are starting to go bad as well.
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From: South Carolina
Yesterday I replaced the battery and the indicator light was still on. So I took the car to autozone and had the alternator check. It turns out my alternator is very weak so I put the car in the garage and now im searching for a place that rebuilds alternators for a good price.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Mountainair, NM
Diy
If you can remove the alternator from the car you can rebuild yourself. Replacing the brush assembly is what is needed most of the time. About $20 from the dealer. You can also replace the bearings if they are noisy.
Here is a pic from the Landcruiser forum of a set worn brushes coming out. Notice all the gunk from the old brushes.
Here is a pic from the Landcruiser forum of a set worn brushes coming out. Notice all the gunk from the old brushes.
Last edited by FrankT; Jul 13, 2008 at 09:05 AM. Reason: add pic
Instructor
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From: Mountainair, NM
The internals of these alternators are pretty much the same as our Lexus'
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Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: California
Toyota/Lexus seems to always put the alternator underneath the power steering pump. Then, since the power steering fluid is hardly ever changed, the pump begins to leak fluid, and it drips into the alternator.
That fluid really takes it out. I make it a habit to change my power steering fluid at least once a year. It is less than a quart to flush the system, and at 180,000 miles, my pump has never leaked and the steering is perfect.
I hope my alternator never looks like this.
That fluid really takes it out. I make it a habit to change my power steering fluid at least once a year. It is less than a quart to flush the system, and at 180,000 miles, my pump has never leaked and the steering is perfect.
I hope my alternator never looks like this.
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From: South Carolina
Small harness by the Alternator
Okay so I had a new alternator put in my car. While taking out the old my mechanic cracked piece of my belt tensioner assembly, glued it back together and put in the new alternator. The charging indicator light has gone off but now when I step on the gas or crank it up it makes a little squeal, and the power steering isnt working. I popped the hood and the engine was hot, and I noticed a small harness below the air filter by the alternator. I got to take everything apart and find out if the little harness goes to my power steering pump.
that alternator really looks like crap lol! look in the phone book for any armature place! they getting harder and harder to find but they should be able to do it! we have one in memphis called jackson armature!
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From: South Carolina
Thread Starter
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From: South Carolina
Alternator Replaced Now Having Trouble With A Whining Noise
Ok I had the alternator replaced now when I crank the car up or let it sit while on it makes a whining noise. I dont know if its coming from the belt because it might be to tight, or if its just the sound of the new alternator. Has anyone ever had any problems like this after replacing the alternator.
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masboy
GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011)
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Mar 4, 2012 06:37 AM
