2001 Lexus LS430 with 200,000 miles.
The Battery Light for Alternator came on. I took to O'Reilly's Auto Parts for a scan and test of the battery alternator. The test showed the alternator was bad. The car would jump but not stay on. I will get it towed later today. O'Reilly has rebuilt alternators for $200. I am in the process of checking with dealer and mechanics nearby.
1. Is an alternator difficult to replace? I searched forum and found nothing.
2. Does anyone have recommendations for independent mechanics near Westmont, Illinois?
Thank you for your recommendations. The guidance provided by this forum has been very helpful in keeping this car going!!
Best,
Bill
Willauflex

 

Alternator replacement is very DIY. I did mine last year and it took me around 1.5 hours or so. The hardest part was getting the connections off the alternator. Here's a guide

 

If you want to become really good at replacing the alternator buy from O'Reilly's. Or get the Denso and do it once. Some options
https://parts.belllexusnorthscottsda...060-50280.html
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=2412&jsn=439

If you buy from Rockauto
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads...360084/page-27

Also check local dealers so you'll save on shipping.

 

If the car would "Jump but not stay on" then disconnect the alternator and jump it. If it still does not stay on, the battery needs charging. If the battery is charged you can drive quite a ways without an alternator. If the battery charged doesnt let you drive it home, then the battery is also gone so replace it and drive home on it saving the towing fee which will easily pay for the new battery.

 

Alternator replacement? - Page 2 - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

I went with OEM alternator

 

Thanks for your help. I took car to independent and they have replaced alternator with Denso remanufactured Denso alternator. Picking up tomorrow.

 

how much they charge you for part and labor?

 

I had mine done around 3 years/20k miles ago, around 150k. It died on a Sunday so towed it to a Firestone repair store, a franchise place around here. Reman + replacement serpentine belt (even though minre was newer, but OK) was around $575 installed. Cheaper than a starter (Lexus, new) or a radiator (I haven't done mine yet).

 

$502 including parts and labor, plus tax. Picking up tomorrow, will see final bill.

 

Denmrark1 mentioned he is planning to take care of his radiator. On 9/15/2019 I replaced my own radiator using the Sticky Frequently Asked Questions and DIY radiator Thread titled " DIY Radiator Replacement LS430" with its great advice. My radiator is still operating well.

As my post #33 on October 7, 2019 under the DYI Radiator Replacement LS430 thread, I gave my suggestions for novices considering doing their own radiator. Should you attempt this yourself, I would suggest that you read through the entire thread and rely on the suggestions of the many contributors.

Good luck in doing it or having it done right.