elwags14

My 2006 GX470 is giving me codes

C1201
C1223
C1241
P0418
P2445
P0430

I've lost acceleration power and VSC, ABS, engine light and others are lite up. Anyone have an idea what the root cause of all these codes would be?

Thanks

IanB2

1st thing's 1st. Make sure your gas cap is tight.

If that doesn't do it, you've got codes for traction control/ABS, emissions air pump, and cat efficiency. Seems like a random collection of codes, unrelated to each other.

Did the problems all start at once?

elwags14

Hey thanks. I tried the fuel cap first along with resetting by disconnecting the battery. Still have all the codes.

All started after replacing the alternator and battery. I did get some initial codes that I can't get to repeat related to the electrical - battery not charging properly and one about lack of battery charge.

Wonder if something shorted with the new battery and alternator install. At the shop now that did the install for troubleshooting.

Thanks again. Let me know what you think about the alternator.

IanB2

Might be a loose ground connection as well. Let us know what the shop finds.

elwags14

The brand new alternator was actually bad. Apparently this was causing the strange array of codes. Headed to pick it up now. Thanks again for the insight!!!

Johnny Rad

For what it's worth, Lexus just split the cost of a new alternator in my out of warranty '08 GX. The stealer said its a common problem and gave me the # to Lexus corporate with a wink. All I did was call and ask ... they rang me back a day or two later and said they'd cover the alternator if I'd pay labor - slightly better than a 50/50 deal for me.

I recommend you call Lexus corp and see if you can get some free love. Good luck!

elwags14

Thanks for the advice on calling Lexus corporate. Will do that Monday and see what they say.

New alternator appears to be working properly.

elwags14

2nd new alternator and those codes are back. Shop has recommended I replace the aftermarket alternator with and OE one from Lexus (Denso part). Anyone ever heard this to be the case with the GX 470 alternator?

Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated as well - thanks!

chiph9

It's not uncommon for aftermarket alternators to have problems. They get sent to China for rebuilding and get done at the lowest possible cost.

Go with the factory fresh Denso.

Chip H.

elwags14

Thanks Chip

How do you feel about remanufactured Denso alternator? The one from the Lexus dlrship is $947 and remfg is $227.

chiph9

Probably better than a "Brand-X" alternator. Buying one from the dealer gets you the 12-month parts warranty and a high degree of confidence that it'll work, but is it worth $700 to you?

Chip H.

GreatHim

$700 buy a couple alternators... id go with a reman denso. also as stated above check your grounds and the underhood fuse block. a short in there or a lose connection can cause this and give you some bad times. its at least worth a look

Ali SC3

iTrader: (10)

yeah a grand is alot for an alternator. it all depends on who did the re-manufacturing. if it was Denso then that is a no brainer at a portion of the cost, try and find it at a reputable place though anyone can write denso on a box.
I never replace an original toyota starter or alternator with a non denso aftermarket as I have seen countless threads on aftermarket alternators not working even when brand new, and that is in all the different model forums.

most older toyota models the starter contacts can be changed out in 5 minutes, owners who opt for a no name aftermarket unit and give their original one in as a core which the original is built way better, usually regret it as sometimes they fail right away and you have to pay for labor to go back in there and change it out, not to mention you can never get your original starter back again and then are forced to pay full price at the dealer for a real denso unit or still a good amount for a re manufactured denso.
some starters are sealed though and cannot have the contacts replaced easily, like the 1mz-fe 3L v6 which requires a replacement. then you don't really have a choice.

chiph9

elwags14 has had so much downtime with this so far, he probably would have been better off taking his original alternator to a local shop for rebuilding. If it came out bad, he'd at least have someone to yell at, and would be no worse off than now.

Chip H.