Battery light/alternator problem

[darkgun82]

Wife called saying battery light came on, then VSC, ABS, TRAC. Had battery tested but it was fine after charging. So...after owning my 2005 4Runner only 6 days I get to replace an alternator. Sadly my buddy's shop I was going to do the timing belt/water pump in in a couple weeks is an hour away and no way to get it there. This looks like a pain for changing just the alternator...compared to all my previous vehicles anyway. Any brands suggested for not an insane price like the dealership's $400? Used autozone on my older trucks and never had a problem but from research here nobody seems to like them.

I love this 4Runner...but not happy today. It's a V8 sport with 101,400 miles by the way

 

[darkgun82]

Anyone?

I think I've settled on Denso brand. Local Advanced Auto wants $270 then give $27 core credit. Rockauto is $189 then $60 core credit. Never ordered from there so not sure how the core credit works with thrm but was planning on ordering my timing belt/water pump kit from them.

 

[fourwd1]

If the $400 at the dealership is for a new alt, that's a steal.
Better than any rebuilt one from a parts chain.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Make sure its a Denso brand part, even remanned tend to be equivalent to the Toyota stuff since Denso is their supplier. Carquest should be able to hook you up with a Denso unit also (we got them all the time from them.) Its not too bad to install, but honestly its nicer if you're doing the Timing Belt already.

Any chance you can use one of your AAA Towing if you have it?

 

[darkgun82]

If I wasnt on call for work all week I'd pay a buddy to tow it to friends shop, but on call and holiday vacations have work crazy until after first of the year so I'll unfortunately have to wait on timing belt. It sucks but oh well.

Definitely getting the denso brand. No parts stores here have them. Advanced Auto just stopped carrying them, and we don't have any car quests.

 

[Ask10]

I used to work at Autozone, and even then I wouldn't buy alternators from there with my employee discount to be honest.

The alternator isn't too bad of a deal to do (I did the timing belt yesterday on mine and swapped out the alternator while I was at it), but it's a little "involved" compared to some others like some Mitsubishis or Hondas where the thing sits smack in the front with two bolts holding it in.

Honestly if you're not comfortable with wrenching, might just go get it done at the dealership and save the hassle. Denso electronics are superb, my original alt is 11 years old w/200k plus and sitting on my shelf as a backup for whenever I need.

 

[darkgun82]

Wrenching isn't a problem...but wrenching in a parking lot of a townhouse complex could be haha.

I've worked on vehicles my entire life...but being able to pop the hood,release belt tension and remove a electrical connection and 3 bolts is far less complicated than what's involved with these fancy toyotas. Good thing I love this new ride haha