My son took my 2000 RX300 to Southern California. The car has about 130,000 miles on the odometer. One day, it would not start or would die after a few seconds. A few days later, it started and ran well so he was able to drive it to a independent mechanic.

The mechanic replaced the alternator and stated that the alternator needs 13.6 volts to run the car. When they tested the original alternator, the battery readout was at 13.8 and the alternator was running at 13.1 volts. He said that's why the car would run or not run well and shut off. They tested it with the new alternator and it read 14.5 volts.

Although the problem is now fixed, it cost $750 for part and labor, which seems quite high. Given we had an out-of-area situation, I'm more relieved that my son can now drive the car back home.

 

Glad it's fixed, but $750 wow! Could have just thrown parts at it and replaced the alt, starter and battery for that much.

 

Sorry, but that doesn't make sense. How can the battery show a higher voltage than the alternator? The voltage at the battery should show the same as the alternator when it's running. I see no way that it can show a higher voltage. Also, $750. for that work calls for a call to 911. A crime has been commited, maybe not with rthe use of a gun, but a crime none the less. That is patently absurd!

 

$750 is insane! The worse part is, they probably didn't even use an OEM alternator.

 

Labor/diagnosis should be 1.5 hr [stretch to 2 hrs max]
Parts ??

You can price out the part ... call Lexus Parts to get the OEM price and other auto parts for the non-oem.
[Edit ... I forgot that alternators have a core exchange credit. The shop should have given you credit for the old if they bought the non-oem. If they got the OEM they can sell the old one, but I think Lexus does not buy it back ,,, at least that is what I think]

Then cross check the invoice and call the shop to find out which alternator they used. If they used the OEM, the charge may not be outrageous.

Salim

 

OE Alternator $245.61 ($30 core looks like they are all remans now)
OE Starter $208.69 same deal $30 core.
OE Battery is $115

$568 in parts for all 3. $750 for an alternator is F-N ridiculous. Just guess and throw parts at it and you would still have $ left over.

 

Rockauto.com sells OE Alternator DENSO Reman for $175.79 and new TYC for $113.99.

 

Total bummer you know you may have fixed it with a new regulator for approx $40.
If the bearings aren't seizing causing it to not spin fast enough it will be the regulator pins worn and new one would likely fix the alternator.

 

I know, I'm a *****, but I have to ask. Where can I get a voltage regulator for $100 off and what the heck are worn regulator pins?

 

I am willing to bet it is Aussie talk.

worn pins -> worn brushes.

Would love to hear from OP as to how it was resolved.

The options are very limited when you are on a road trip and there are times when you are the mercy of a mechanic. Some times being part of an auto-club helps and going to the dealership has its advantages/disadvantages.

Salim

 

I took my Grand Caravan to Chicago last summer, instead of the RX300. Because I was hauling 7 people, and the van decided to loose it's wheel bearing in Chicago. It started making a horrendous noise. So, I was at the mercy of a random mechanic who I never knew before. He ripped me off, but did I care. Nope! I just wanted to get home safely, and continue hating Chrysler/Dodge. LOL ( I paid $400+ for the bearing)....

Then on the way back home, the A/C compressor started smoking, and the clutch got screwed up. I guess that's not it's fault though, I was running the van at 90-95 mph, with A/C on at medium fan speed for about 10 hours. The compressor died about 300 miles away from home. I only needed to go another 50 miles to get a free tow from AAA. I have a premium membership... LOL (free up to 250 miles)... Luckily, I was able to keep going though, and I made it home.

Never even thought of taking the Caravan out of state, after that. Before I had the RX300, I used to take that for all of my road trips. So, glad I don't have to take that crap anymore.