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I am trying to buy the replacement alternator for 2008 RX350.
I am seeing Denso remanufactured alternator 'w/o tow' and 'w/ tow' type. How do I determine what type of alternator I do have ? y car is he Base model and not used for towing.
Also shall I choose between a 100Amp vs 130Amp alternator ?
I would get the correct one. If you have the "tow" package engine (regardless if you tow or not), there will be an oil cooler attached to it on the front, it looks like a short coffee can, and is just to the left and below the front cat and exhaust manifold. If it is not there, get the non tow. In pic it is shinny circle to left of the front exhaust cat:
Last edited by Mesquite77; Mar 8, 2021 at 08:49 AM.
Ok, if you are having the alternator changed, make sure that the oil cooler is using steel pipes instead of rubber ones where it connects to the oil pump, which is below and to the left of the cooler itself. Lot of threads here about the rubber pipes failing, and you'll be in same location messing with the alternator.
My alternator went out Christmas week of '19 & had a choice of the 100amp & 130 amp, I went w/ the 100amp one as that was the oem one. The problem was the volt regulator btw. I had the reman on bench tested a couple of times before installing it. Still working great btw. I went w/ a R110131a from oreilly store.....I as well have the oil cooler which I replaced the rubber hoses w/ the Dorman kit.....
Even if you don’t have the tow pkg, you may as well get the “bigger alternator”. Even Denso themselves recommend doing this. The more powerful alternator will have an easier life, as well as your battery.
It's a common upgrade for the Highlander owners to put the 150 amp Sienna alternator in so I don't see why it can't be done on an RX. They use the same mounting points, pulley, and connector
2008 RX350 alternator question.
