Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Tom for suggesting I look more into this. My alternator is failing. 13.3 volts was what it is putting out and not charging the battery very well. Anyway, looking at what others have used. I am leaning towards remanufactured OE Denso. A new Denso is too much.

Lexus of South Atlanta new - $394
Denso reman. - $190.
AC Delco Reman - $160
Local shop to rebuild between $90 - $120

Tom57

My pleasure Lav. I'm really glad you posted a screen shot in the other thread of your Techstream data regarding water temp - since it also showed the low voltage output of your alternator. At least you'll be able to pre-emptively replace it before it totally fails and possibly strand you somewhere.

Here is my thread on replacing the alternator - DIY if you're so inclined. Definitely get the Denso reman. part # 210-0508. Check Parts.com too but be sure to calculate core shipping charges back as well. I recall that many online places sell the Denso reman without a core charge. Be certain to get an authentic Denso. You are lucky that you have time to shop around and schedule the needed repair at your convenience, not after it completely fails. If you lived closer, I'd install it for you.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...001-ls430.html

Tom57

There are several on ebay too

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...-0508&_sacat=0

and Amazon



The Denso from Amazon has no core charges.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I went ahead and ordered the one from Amazon, same as the link you posted was the one I was looking at. $211 after taxes and expedited shipping. No core charge. Not bad at all.

It's only $80 for the Lexus independent shop to install so I'm probably going to do this route. Not that I don't enjoy saving money but I don't enjoy not having an easy way to work on the car. Street parking, etc...

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I seem to remember seeing a post about how simple it is to rebuild the alternator and have it as a backup. Just a thought.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

That video is interesting swfla. I thought about this as well. I will definitely save the old one. I wonder how low the voltage has to drop before I would get some kind of warning from the car. 13.7 is the cut off from what I understand. Why is the car not warning me?

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I'd think 13.3 is low enough to prompt a warning as well. Hmmm. I'd be worrying over this, but that's me. As Lexus is doing the work for you, hopefully they can answer this as well.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I just called and spoke to a service manager at a Lexus dealer on the West coast. He said the battery light will not come on until the alternator totally fails. Well, there you have it. This is why I am not getting a warning light. Another good reason to monitor some things yourself. Also, waiting for it to totally fail will probably ruin the battery as well costing you an extra $100.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

The other odd thing is that years 01 - 04 are one part number and 05 - 06 is another. Both are rated at the same voltage and amperage. I called the Lexus parts department to see if they had an explanation before ordering as I was questioning this considering 04 - 06 are normally grouped together. They did not know but thought it could possibly be a revised mounting specs or something like that.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Glad you got an answer but Lexus's warning upon total failure isn't much help to the consumer, worse than an idiot light
Good thing you're extra careful and double checking things. I try to be that way too.

Tom57

Actually, the 01 - 04 do not come up online as the same part number > 210-0508 - but in fact they are. That was one reason that prompted my earlier thread on alternators. I suspect the 05 - 06 alternator are the same as 01 - 04, but I don't know for sure.

Tom57

At about 252K miles on my '01, without warning, the alternator quit and the idiot lights went on. Car died on the expressway about 10 miles from home. I tried swapping a fresh battery in but no go. The alternators are perhaps the weakest link since they can and do fail without notice or warning, leaving you stranded. Heat is the biggest alternator killer. Yours is failing at about 1/2 the mileage that my '01 had when it failed, I suspect due to the heat in your locale.

See post # 4 in this thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...001-ls430.html

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

It's odd. I also was looking at this too. Parts guy at Lexus of South Atlanta did not know what the difference was.

01-04: Denso 210-0508

05-06: Denso 210-0570

Tom57

The link for 01 - 04 shows not compatible with 01 - and dozens of websites are the same. The 01 - 04 are the same part number though - 130 amp. I don't know if there's just a part number difference with the 05 - 06.

bfg23

The only physical difference between 210-0570 and the 210-0508 is the electrical plug.

The 0508 has a 3pin connection and the 0570 has a 4pin connection.

I know this because I recently replaced my alternator and was sold the 210-0570 as per the shops recomendation (denso seem to think this is the version needed for an 01), when I needed the 0508.

I did take a picture when I had both alternators in my hands if someone wants a comparison.