hey there folks, i need help finding the connector that plugs into the back of the alternator. i'll attach a photo of my busted up connector. this would be for a 1997 SR5, and unfortunately the auto part stores don't have anything by that name and i don't know what to properly call it. thanks in advance!

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Your average Auto Zone or whatever won't carry parts like that. I tried looking for a part number from Toyota for the alternator wiring, but I think that connector is part of the engine wire harness, which is not something you want to replace as a whole, would take way too long and would be unnecessary.

I think your best bet will be to go to a local salvage yard or pick and pull and clip a undamaged harness off (cut off plenty of wire!). Then cut off your old one (leave plenty of wire!) and solder the new connector on instead of your current broken one.

If you are new to soldering, this is how you solder automotive wire:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9G9gaokqvM

I've used this technique and never have a wire fail on me. I actually use silver solder since it has a higher conductivity... but that's because I use it mostly for PC repair, not cars. It's more expensive anyway.

There should be a five digit number embossed into the plug casing. Take that, and precede it with 90980- and that is the number of your replacement housing (without contacts/wires).

On my '99, that plug is 90980-11348.

90980-11348 - Genuine Toyota HOUSING, CONNECTOR M

Pretty sure yours is the same but I don't have a '97 EWD. Most dealers are unable to come up with the part number, but they CAN order it. Don't take NO for an answer.



If the contacts and wires are in good shape, you can just transfer them to the new housing. The mysteries of how to do that are explained here:

wilbo666 [licensed for non-commercial use only] / Wire Harness Repair Manual (RM1022E).pdf

If any of the wires and contacts are damaged, Toyota sells individual repair wires. The how-to and the part numbers are explained in the above 'pdf . Decent dealer should be able to match a repair wire if you bring in the damaged one. I say 'should' advisedly.

This fleabay special also looks like it would work:

Alternator Lead Repair 3 Wire Plug for Denso Regulator Harness Toyota Suzuki | eBay

just the other day I was able to purchase an alternator wiring pigtail for a ford Taurus from CARQUEST. it looked to be a much higher quality part than the OEM one.

not sure if they have one for the Toyota or not, but they are available in the aftermarket...