86 4runner guys I need help

[JFKIV]

My truck runs great but recently my ebrake light and my battery light have been consistently on. Few days ago they would come on at very low rpm and disappear when I have it gas, now they are permanently on. Is this my battery or alternator or something else? If battery can u guys suggest a very dependable battery I should buy I don't mind paying a little more for the very best.
It's a 86 5speed sr5 if that helps

 

[SV_Dude]

Take your alternator and have it tested at your local parts store. My money is on the alternator. Usually if your battery is going bad, nothing will change regardless of engine rpm. The alternator however runs off the engine speed.

 

[KidVermicious]

SV has it, the combination of brake and battery light is Toyota's way of telling you the output off the alternator is bad. Could be the alternator, could be a belt or wiring, but for whatever reason it's not charging the battery right.

 

[CAN-03runner]

I'm going to join this party and say alternator too. Had this a few weeks ago. If the alternator isn't charging, soon you might even experience some sputtering or erractic engine behaviour as the battery drains on you.

Simple way to get you started. Voltmeter. Battery should say 12-13ish volts. With car on, you should be getting pretty close to 14volts.

I wouldn't drive far. You will get stranded.

 

[SV_Dude]

Simple way to get you started. Voltmeter. Battery should say 12-13ish volts. With car on, you should be getting pretty close to 14volts.

That method works great upon early discovery of a bad alternator. But if you're a day or so into a bad alternator and the battery is now at 10-11 volts, you wouldn't know the difference between a bad battery and a bad alternator unless you have them both tested at the store (unless you have your own expensive testing equip)

 

[tor-redneck]

REPLACE ALT. if you want the best bat. we would all recommend optima. they are bullit proof, and can even be mounted upside down if u wish.

 

[KidVermicious]

Don't replace it, it's probably just the brushes. If you buy a reman you've got no idea what you're putting in your truck. Unless you like pulling the alternator so you can get it warrantied, repair the one you've got and run it another 200,000 miles. Lots of good reading here: 22re alternator rebuild - Google Search

 

[SV_Dude]

Don't replace it, it's probably just the brushes. If you buy a reman you've got no idea what you're putting in your truck. Unless you like pulling the alternator so you can get it warrantied, repair the one you've got and run it another 200,000 miles. Lots of good reading here: 22re alternator rebuild - Google Search

That is good advice! I went ahead and bought a reman from the local parts store for the warranty. It has came in handy because I have replaced it already due to my stupidity of going wheeling in the mud.