insomniac

Ok guys before you tell me to search, i already did.
I read all about the symptons and common problems leading to a bad alternator/rectifier. Im just here to ask how much this is going to cost me to fix. Im not very handy when it comes to this stuff so it wont be a DIY. Should i bring my car to the Toyota, Lexus dealership or should i bring my car to a mechanic? What will be cheaper to get the job done right!

Anyway this is what happened:
Yesterday i was at checkers and when i left my car would not start, i had them charge the battery and they told me it was no good. I bought an orbital battery from them and installed it. My car start no problem and everything looked great. Today on my way to work (35 min drive), about 2 blocks from work my abs and trac light came on, my battery light came on, then my dvd player shut off and my headlights went out. Im lucky i made it to work and im sure when i leave today my car wont start. Im just asking where i should get it towed? to the mechanic or to Toyota/Lexus?

RaynArt

years ago i had that problem i took mine to sears and had everything done for roughly $370 w/ a 1 year part warranty. i remember the lexus dealer wanted at least $100 more, at least!

insomniac

Thank you for this information

ant1k

if you change your alternater, lmk how much it cost because im looking for a new one too. ps. i would just go to a lexus certified mechanic instead of the stealerships, the guys at the servcolexus on kapiolani are #$%$#@%ing boneheads.

insomniac

Haha i think my buddy is going to help me install it.
im buying it from napa for $250 bucks.

The guy at napa told me some places will install it for 75-100 bucks.
i called sears automotive and they want $590 installed lmao.

RaynArt

lol holy crap. and good luck

cal9126

its not hard to change on the 400....you could prolly do it yourself if you are mechanicly inclined

you just have to take off the serpentine belt unbolt the connectors to the alternator and unbolt the 2 or 3 bolts.....might as well replace that serpentine belt also while you at it....

no2faber

Sounds like the alternator to me. i am a little weary of the NAPA alt at this point. I have one for my SC3, and after a year and having 3 mechs look at the car, we realized that the alternator isn't the correct one for the car. it sticks out an inch or two, which initially caused the car to make a squeaking noise after it rained (why only rain i don't know). After i had the serpertine belt changed a month ago, it started happening constantly. the water pump and tensioner have both been changed but it didn't solve the problem. it was then my new mechanic (who works for lexus) realized that the belt wasn't completely aligned where the alternator;s located.

i just realized that i'm 3 days out of the 1 yr warranty so i'm going to have to work it out with the private shop. make sure you get the proper rebuild. my mechanic said that even lexus uses rebuilds, so don't worry if the alt isn't "new." anyway, that's my .02.

Sears quoted me $590 as well. i had it done at that private shop for $230 parts + $90 in labor i think. I still can't believe it was the alternator all along.