Help: Alternator problem maybe?

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Jan 30, 2010 | 09:23 AM

silkiechic

Thread Starter

Lead Lap

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 612

Likes: 7

From: Washington

Help: Alternator problem maybe?

Ok... so here is my problem. When I am driving, if I signal, press the breaks, or signal and press my breaks, the power in the car seems to go out. The radio, climate controls, and headlights all dim or go out for a moment and then come back up. Almost like the car can't keep up with the increased draw on power from the signal or break lights.

Could this be my alternator going out? I replaced the battery two years ago so I don't think that is the problem. I have changed the alternator once, and that was back in 2006 if I remember right. Got it from Shucks as the original one was tested to be intermittent. Could this be what is happening again now with the "new" one? How long do rebuilt alternators last?

Should I go out and buy a new one? My recipt for this one is at home, else I think if it tests bad, Schucks will replace it free of cost b/c I am original purchaser of the alternator. But if it doesn't test bad... especially if it is intermittent, what should I do?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Jan 30, 2010 | 06:42 PM

TheMole

Lexus Champion

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Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 3,487

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From: SoCal

Could be the infamous electrical ghosts. I solved mine by replacing the negative battery cable with one from a 93 gs300, but yours could be different. Try cleaning the main grounding points to ensure the connection is good. Won't cost you anything but some time. Here are some threads I saved regarding the issues you are describing:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-1st-gen-1992-2000/755-ghosts-in-my-electrical-system.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-1st-gen-1992-2000/15215-got-a-weird-electrical-problem.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=289124

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=261093

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=246119

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=239269

Jan 30, 2010 | 09:01 PM

silkiechic

Thread Starter

Lead Lap

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 612

Likes: 7

From: Washington

Thanks!

I'll do some more searches with the term electrical ghost. Drove around while measuring voltage and it runs between 13.4 and like 14.4 when I stop and am just driving. It seemed fine today.

Wonder if this is related to how when my turn blinker is one, the interior lighting dims with each blink.

Jan 30, 2010 | 11:29 PM

TheMole

Lexus Champion

iTrader: (13)

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 3,487

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From: SoCal

Yup I had the exact same symptoms you are describing. It was scary while driving on the freeway because it felt like the car was about to shutoff whenever I signaled or braked. My battery was new and I replaced my alternator with an oem unit, but the problem still came back. It has not happened since I replaced the cable.