fixmiester

[QUOTE=fixmiester; I suggest you take it to a parts house that does in-car testing of both batteries and alternators, to see which is bad. If you can't find a place that can do both, at least get the battery checked FIRST, before you do any other repairs.

Steve[/QUOTE]

I don't know how much clearer I can make it. (sigh)

flipmode64

alternator died on way to work today. took battery out of another LS400 and fired it up and luckily got home. a denso alternator is comong from auto store tomm morning, its a denso, and they said no questions lifetime warranty. shop putting it in tomm afternoon, will report back.

mspearl95

Alot of times with these denso alternators, when they fail it's just the brushes that are worn out. Super easy fix and costs about 20? bucks for the new brush set, vs 200 for the new alternator.

trukn1

The light you have lit indicate a bad alternator, or one that is one the way out. Question, that I see that no one has asked you,,,is your power steering reservior leaking? This sits DIRECTLY over top of the alternator, and if it IS leaking is leaking DIRECTLY into your alternator. New one may be a temp fix, and you may find yourself in this position again. The PS leak is common with these cars, especially the older ones. Also you have a brake light out on the rear somewhere. Could be a bulb with one of the terminals burnt out. have someone turn on all of the lights and then check, then have then step on the brake. All of them SHOULD get brighter. The one that doesn't is the culprit here. Also remember to check the light in the deck mounted stop light. There are 2 bulbs there as well.

flipmode64

UPDATE:

New alternator in. All lights off the dash.

To break it down I'll say in order kind of what happened.

1) cruise control would sometimes work and sometimes it wouldnt, sometimes i would have to hit it a few times to set the speed. once the first set of 5 lights came on cruise control would not work period.

2)when the car was running i used a multimeter and the battery NEVER showed more than 12 volts, even with every accessory on.

3) i think the alternator was still "half" working when the first 5 lights came on. once the extra two came on (
( ABS / TRAC OFF ) it was done.

4) once all 7 lights were on, i noticed with the CD player on that when i hit the brake or gas it would cut the sound off.

if anyone has any extra questions let me know.

oldskewel

iTrader: (1)

Glad you got it fixed. Thanks for posting the followup so people know how it was resolved.

You may want to consider the wise advice above regarding PS fluid leaking onto the alternator. If there is a leak (either the pump or reservoir, but most likely the idle-up air valve) and you don't fix it, there is a good chance you'll be replacing the alternator again before too long.

flipmode64

Going tomorrow to garage to get the ACV vavle plugged and the solenoid screen cleaned and those 2 hoses plugged.

flipmode64

Got the car back. ACV valve plugged and screen cleaned. the steering is now INCREDIBLY smooth and light and I can one finger the wheel around any corner haha. He said the screen was pretty plugged so I imagine it's never been cleaned and the car is at 315,xxx km's right now.