in the process of changing the leaking valve covers on my '00 GS300, I was moving things to get them out of the way. I remember trying to unplug the black wire going to the top of the Alternator. It didn't give easily as I pulled the black cover off and noticed there were 3 little wires underneath the cover. I pushed the black rubber cover back down and moved on. All is well, so I think. Got the covers on, cranked the car, drove it 5 miles to work, drove it back home and all is well, so I think. Left out last night on a 30 mile trip. After about 25 miles continuous driving, the radio turned off, Then the clock started fading out. Then the dash lights started fading out and then to motor stopped. I pulled off side of road trying to collect my thoughts. After about 2 minutes, the radio came on and I was able to crank the engine and drive to a pull off area and the same sequence of events happened again. I'm figuring it is the alternator. Called tow truck to take me home.

Since it was after 9 pm, I decided to wait until this morning to check things out. Well, here's what I found but I don't know exactly how to fix it. I pulled back the little rubber black boot on top of the alternator. There are 3 tiny wires with little pink plastic boots with what I think are brushes and little springs. Two of them were out farther than the other one which still looked plugged in and one was out to where I could see the spring. I tried pushing the 2 back in. One went easily and the other I had to twist. Anyways, I started the car and it ran for about 2 minutes and died the same way before. I believe my problem is with those 3 wires but I'm not sure if they go in a certain way or if I have to take something off and reinsert them or what. I need some guidance. I don't think it is my alternator itself that's giving me the problem..

 

Got it . The middle wire was loose. All is well!

 

glad ya got it figured out!