Bat and ABS Light

[gunnyart]

My BAT light came on followed shortly by the ABS light.

I happened to be at the place where I bought the Battery and they tested and replaced the battery under warranty.

A hundred miles later the lights came back on.

I suppose the ALT must be the issue but why would the ABS light come on as well?

 

[morbidsanity]

go to orielly, most auto stores check that stuff for free with a quick test...more than likley alternator though...

 

[SLI_Fallen]

I am experiencing the exact same problem for the past 3-4 months. The entire charging system has been checked. Repeatedly, by multiple sources. Also, for me, when the battery/ABS event would occur at night, it was accompanied by the headlight brightness varying wildly almost as if you were flashing high beams, but at a much faster rate. My symptom has now modified slightly. (and gotten much more consistent) The battery light is on nearly all the time now. And the ABS light has disappeared. (Which actually should make troubleshooting it easier). Well see, but suggestions are welcomed.

 

[bikerjosh]

I need more coffee

Saw the title and figured that prolonged issues with ABS, caused you to take a baseball bat to the ABS module all "Untouchables" style.:roadkill:

 

[brian2sun]

You can test the alternator (while the truck is running) too. It should be putting out about 14 volts.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

You can test the alternator (while the truck is running) too. It should be putting out about 14 volts.

At idle? No. It should be reading about 12.4 to 12.6. Anything higher is an overcharge.

 

[brian2sun]

At idle? No. It should be reading about 12.4 to 12.6. Anything higher is an overcharge.

I didn't say idle, I said "running". Typically you want to rev the engine a little while you're testing the alt to make sure it gets up to the normal 14 volts.

 

[eatmorechickenx]

At idle? No. It should be reading about 12.4 to 12.6. Anything higher is an overcharge.

You should have that voltage with the vehicle off or maybe a little more. If your even idling, you should be charging 13.5 or so.

 

[gunnyart]

The battery load tested well and the alt was making 13.5 at idle.
The light didn't happen to be on at the time so its may not be a usable test.
I can't seem to find any rational for when it/they come on.

Its a mystery. I'm afraid to take it on a road trip until I know but it doesn't seem to be a real problem.

 

[SLI_Fallen]

Update.

Two days after I posted here I started seeing the gauges start going crazy (as others reported in other threads too with the battery light and/or ABS light) So, The alternator has been replaced and the issue is resolved. Sort of.

Looks like I have a valve cover gasket leak left front side that eventually is falling onto the alternator. Which would explain if it shorted the windings.

But as you know, it takes removal of the intake manifold to replace the valve cover gaskets. And with 295,000 miles, (I bought it new in 1996 :clap2: ) i'm just going to let it slide for now.

 

[Drcoffee]

The ABS light will come on if the initial test on start up shows low voltage during the system test. That usually means the alternator is bad. For now, try to redirect the leaking valve cover away from the alternator. How does your battery ground wire look? So many times, a bad ground connection will cause electrical gremlins.

Replacing the valve cover gasket is no small job. Been there, done that.

 

[gunnyart]

Gas related?!?

Apparently the problem was either just a glitch or it fixed itself!


Maybe this is a coincidence but I had been getting by adding a few bucks of gas at a time for months.
The first time I filled the gas tank to the top and the lights went out and haven't been back for several weeks.

Sound crazy? Can someone think of a reason they might be related?

 

[Buckaroo]

Suggestions -
1. Make sure battery cables/posts are clean and tight.

2. Check voltage drop from B+ to Alternator and then from Neg post to alternator case. In both cases should be very low.

Good Luck

 

[SLI_Fallen]

Apparently the problem was either just a glitch or it fixed itself!

Not sure if this question is directed to me. I did update on 6/21/13 that replacing the alternator resolved the electrical issue.

 

[jasontrd]

I would agree

Thanks for the update SLI_Fallen.

I have been having the same issue with the battery light coming on and off a lot followed with the ABS light coming on intermittently. We just drove 600 miles back to Wisconsin from Thunder Bay, CA and I noticed at night that the lights would actually get brighter when the battery light flashed on. This happened a lot during the drive leading me to the alternator right away. Having owned a ton of vehicles with failed alternators I'm no stranger to this. I'm replacing it before any other trips. Good thing this is my "camping" truck anyway. Thanks all for the input. My two cents as well. Later.

jasontrd

:lookout:

 

[miner_dan]

HELP?
Background:
2006/2007 4runner, 4.7L V8 auto
I get in a lot of mud going to work (remote gold mine). I also do a lot of washing of the undercarriage, but times have occurred where the mud sat. Perhaps overheating something?

This winter my dash suddenly lit up like a Christmas tree. It would come and go. And as temps warmed it became less common.

It reduced to only the charge / battery light and is intermittent.

An Autoparts store battery test showed it was good
Had original alternator tested- Voltage regulator was good.

Voltage will surge up to 16-17 volts

I replaced the alternator and cleaned battery connections. Still have the random charge indicator and pulsing headlights when the voltage surges.
I commute 900 miles a week (1 push) and am worried I'll be stranded in the desert.
Any ideas

I have been told by a dealer that the ABS system can cause some strange electrical issues. On another post a guy paid 2K for the booter/ABS assembly, 600 for install and didn't solve his electrical gremlin.

I'm going to check the chasis ground now- I know its not loose, but..

Ideas???? I leave Tues night

Voltage regulator 2006 2007 2008 2009 surge flicker spike