Hi everyone,

Recently the instrument panel of my 10 LS460 shuts off itself intermittently while the car is still running. After the system restarts itself 2 seconds later, there is a message entitled "electronic equipment is limited". During the shut off time, the steering wheel loses power too. Thank god I am still alive.

Getting to the point here. Dealer said the alternator is defective so it does not charge the battery properly to power the instrument panel. Here is the quote: OEM Lexusalternator $1150 + Labour approx $600 (the total cost is even more than the 90k service of my LS430 ) . When I called my mechanic friend in Hong Kong, he said a substitute Denso alternator will also work half the price. The problem is whether there are any of such parts considering my car's age. I prefer to have a new one than re-manufactured ones to be more hassle-free. Is it worth trying (that means I have to have the repair done in an independent mechanic)?

SORRY FOR THE DUPLICATE POST. I have no idea how to remove the former one posted on another sub-forum by mistake.

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated!
Thank you and have a nice day!

 

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Denso is a supplier of Toyota/Lexus OE starters and generators. The wiring and harness of a alternator/generator or starter rarely go bad. Usually, the problem is worn contact(s)/copper brush(es). I wouldn't hesitate to use a rebuilt/reconditioned Denso alternator. In fact, replacing an alternator on the LS460 is a relatively easy DIY job. You could buy a reconditioned Denso alternator at Rock Auto for $182 and replace it on your own.
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Thank you yyymmm31 for your suggestion. Personally I have no knowledge in automobile mechanics, so every time my cars show problems (although not common), the only solution is to bring them back to Lexus. I will try to get a quote from firestone or elsewhere and see how it goes. Definitely will keep you updated. Thank you again.

 

If you trust Firestone that is great, but I might recommend finding a competent independent mechanic who has worked on Lexus. This is not a very difficult job for an experienced mechanic and should take no more than 2 hours. An awesome member of our group posted DIY instructions, he said it took him 3-4 hours and that was including taking pictures along the way of each step.

 

I agree with the first response, this is one of the easiest mechanic tasks on a car, and a remanufactured denso alternator is basically the same as OEM. $200 part, and $200 independent mechanic labor, you're way ahead even if you don't do it yourself.

DIY alternator removal thread mentioned - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...moval-diy.html

 

From previous experience with Denso remanufactured alternators, i wouldnt waste my time and by a brand new Denso one. Over here i see them new for about $200 so not sure why you would buy a remanufactured one. Denso DAN1281 should be the code for the new one

 

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Agree with Spudo769. Firestone is not a typical place for replacing generators on Lexus cars (or any cars for that matter). An independent repair shop with a good reputation would be a much more reliable option than Firestone. Any experienced car technician should be able to do the job, but it would be best to find an independent car shop that is specialized in servicing Lexus/Toyota cars. Here is the Northern Texas Lexus owner group: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nor...exus-club-211/. You may post a question and see if any of them could refer you to a reputable independent shop near you.
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Hi and thanks everyone for the input,

Today I got a chance to visit several shops in the city to obtain some quotations. Here is the summary.

1. Firestone (the shop that deals with oil change of my 430) only performs the job with OEM parts, meaning that they have to order the alternator from Lexus, which costs $1150. They charge $100 less for labour compared with my dealership.

2. A mechanic referred from a friend of mine (who was previously a mechanic of Toyota dealer) quotes $300 for a Denso re-manufactured part and $170 for labour.

3. Midas near my workplace can help to order a new Denso alternator ($750) and charges $550 for labour.

Option 2 saves me the most money. I understand that I will get what I pay for. However, consider the mechanic is highly experienced with toyota vehicles, I do feel confident to le him doing the job.

Any thoughts are appreciated. Tend to favour option 2?

 

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I would take Option 2 because the technician was (1) referred by one of your friends and (2) a former Toyota technician. As for the part, you could purchase a re-manufactured Denso alternator for $183+tax from Rock Auto after shipping back your old alternator (returning the core) https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...generator,2412. If you use the coupon code 3746CB16A3AAA1, you will get 5% off Rock Auto price. Here is how to use the coupon code https://www.clublexus.com/forums/clu...-7-2018-a.html
Good luck and keep us posted about the outcome.
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I also have a tip - go to Yelp and search for import car mechanic in your area and read reviews for local indy shops. That's how I found a local import specialty mechanic that ended up servicing my LS 460 for years. Great service at 60% of the labor costs. He didn't even care if I brought him the parts and he just charged me the labor for it.

 

Sadly, that's no longer true! You can pay a lot and get a little, or you can pay a little and get a lot. Life has become a total crapshoot! I'd go for option 2.

 

Option 2, after you ask him if you can order the alternator on your own and pay him for the labor. Might as well try and save $115.

 

I would take option 2 and be okay with the charge of the alternator. The mechanics will typically be able to make a little bit extra on the parts, that is ok if they do a good job and you are not being way over charged. I also like the idea of checking them out on Yelp. And I would be more weary of firestone and midas, as they are all rewarded and measured on finding as many things wrong with your car as possible, leading to possible fixes that are not necessary.

 

I have taken the advice from you guys to go for option 2.

Yesterday I got my car back from the mechanic and it seems that works very well! (at least as for now, the navigation panel has not shut itself off). The total cost was $470 but the mechanic agrees to offer a $20 discount. Ends up spending $450 which is far less than what was quoted by my dealership (approx $1800)!

Thanks again for everyone's input.