Battery Light is on!

[Scramble]

I've never seen that light before! I know it's not my battery because I've replaced a few of them over the years & that light never came on so in must be my alternator. 17 years & a few months...pretty good for the original Toyota Alt.

What high power Alt should I buy? I have a powerful stereo & (4) PIAA's & plan on a winch in the future & maybe dual batteries. I'm not dropping $500 on some beast but $250 sounds reasonable. Whats recommended? 160 amps? 200? Whats overkill? 250?

Thanks! (I usually research but feel lazy today i just changed out my DS CV):dance::drum:

 

[Tucson4runner]

This one is expensive but probably what your looking for. http://shop.mean-green.com/2003-96-4-RUNNER-34L-MG13794.htm

Or you can do the caddy one but that involves some more work.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[mtbtim]

I seem to be plugging O'Reilly Auto Parts a lot lately, buy why not confirm what your alternator is doing by going to an auto parts store, like O'Reilly, that will test your charging system for free first before ordering an alternator?

I'm assuming you don't have a voltage meter to check the status of your alternator since you didn't mention you would be checking the voltage to confirm your alternator is toast.

 

[Scramble]

This one is expensive but probably what your looking for. 2003-96 4-RUNNER 3.4L - MG Industries Inc.

Or you can do the caddy one but that involves some more work.

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Yea, I love the Caddy idea (and the horn) because I've owned 7 of them but I'm looking for plug & play. Mean Green doesn't seen to make one for the 2.7L.

 

[Scramble]

I seem to be plugging O'Reilly Auto Parts a lot lately, buy why not confirm what your alternator is doing by going to an auto parts store, like O'Reilly, that will test your charging system for free first before ordering an alternator?

I'm assuming you don't have a voltage meter to check the status of your alternator since you didn't mention you would be checking the voltage to confirm your alternator is toast.

My neighbor has one (he was a bus mech & just helped me with my CV axle) and we confirmed it was my alt.

 

[Tucson4runner]

Maybe this? http://shop.mean-green.com/1999-96-4-RUNNER-27L-MG13673.htm

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[Scramble]

160 amps $280 free shipping.

Toyota Tacoma High Output Alternators

 

[Scramble]

Maybe this? 1999-96 4-RUNNER 2.7L - MG Industries Inc.

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LOL Thanks, I must be blind.:thanks:

 

[mtbtim]

I don't know if auto parts stores have the option for higher output alternators, but don't they usually give you a lifetime warranty on their parts? Something to think about since those online sellers are probably only going to give you a year warranty.

 

[nissanh]

Pretty sure it is the alternator brushes. It is super easy to replace and cost few $$$. It is worth trying. Corolla, camry brushes are also the same!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...tor-brush-kit-ic-regulator-diode-removal.html

 

[mtbtim]

Pretty sure it is the alternator brushes. It is super easy to replace and cost few $$$. It is worth trying. Corolla, camry brushes are also the same!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...tor-brush-kit-ic-regulator-diode-removal.html

This sounds like an excellent idea. If you go this route, I'd sure like to hear how it works out for you.

 

[chimpy]

You will want to upgrade the battery cables as well. Need something bigger than stock to carry the extra current from that high amp alternator.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

Right before I sold my 2wd runner last summer, I had a battery light flickering on and off, and it ended up being my alt brushes. Fixed the problem for me and was pretty cheap.

Old vs new

 

[Scramble]

Pretty sure it is the alternator brushes. It is super easy to replace and cost few $$$. It is worth trying. Corolla, camry brushes are also the same!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...tor-brush-kit-ic-regulator-diode-removal.html

Yea, I could have rebuilt my starter too but ended up buying a higher torque one. I'm not not looking to stay stock. I'm building a beast here! :biggrin1:

I don't know if auto parts stores have the option for higher output alternators, but don't they usually give you a lifetime warranty on their parts? Something to think about since those online sellers are probably only going to give you a year warranty.

I dont see any auto parts stores with higher output unless I went with the Caddy option.

You will want to upgrade the battery cables as well. Need something bigger than stock to carry the extra current from that high amp alternator.

I planned on doing the Big 3 Option 2 upgrade soon but Bill who sells the kits has been real flaky. I guess I'll order an Alt from somewhere & then do the wires.

LCE has a 140a for $260, that's double the stock output. I've done plenty of business with them before & will complain too if it doesn't last a long time, plus it's probably rebuild-able by me.

High Output Alternator 140 Amp 1997-1999 2RZ/3RZ Tacoma

 

[Scramble]

LCE will take a few days to build & ship ground so I'll never get it by this Sat but they promise it by the ninth.

High Output Alternator 140 Amp 1997-1999 2RZ/3RZ Tacoma

I'm waiting for Bill at Bumper to Bumper to get back to me if he has one in stock.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/group...roupbuy-big-3-plus-**ends-october-14th**.html

This guy on Amazon builds them but I'd rather go with someone I know has a good track record.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AY28GL...TF8&colid=2AM8L2P20SPFP&coliid=I1EG0AJZCHGCAJ

Quality Power is a little more expensive but not much because they have free shipping over $200 & a bunch of people here have used them with no complaints.

http://www.qualitypowerauto.com/item_448/Toyota-4Runner.htm

EDIT: I just called Quality Power they have one in stock & will ship today! Nice!!!

 

[SIN-Japan]

LCE will take a few days to build & ship ground so I'll never get it by this Sat but they promise it by the ninth.

High Output Alternator 140 Amp 1997-1999 2RZ/3RZ Tacoma

I'm waiting for Bill at Bumper to Bumper to get back to me if he has one in stock.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/group...roupbuy-big-3-plus-**ends-october-14th**.html

This guy on Amazon builds them but I'd rather go with someone I know has a good track record.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AY28GL...TF8&colid=2AM8L2P20SPFP&coliid=I1EG0AJZCHGCAJ

Quality Power is a little more expensive but not much because they have free shipping over $200 & a bunch of people here have used them with no complaints.

Toyota 4Runner High Output Alternators

EDIT: I just called Quality Power they have one in stock & will ship today! Nice!!!

Sorry to Hijack,
Scramble can you link where you got your High Torque Starter.
Thanks

 

[Scramble]

Sorry to Hijack,
Scramble can you link where you got your High Torque Starter.
Thanks

No worries, I'm not anal about shit like that.
I tried looking in my E-Bay history & it's not there, weird! I only bought it in April. The guy had a 100% rating with great reviews on his starters. It was a 2.0kw rebuilt Denso. Cost me around $80. They seem pretty easy to find doing quick Google search. Just look for someone reputable. I'll look at the shipping label on the box when I get home.

 

[Scramble]

Sorry to Hijack,
Scramble can you link where you got your High Torque Starter.
Thanks

Here is the one I bought.
Toyota Tacoma 2 7 95 09 4Runner 2 7L 96 00 T 100 2 7L 94 98 2KW Starter 17706 | eBay

I still don't know why it's not showing up in my purchase history but I found him because he left me positive feedback.

 

[Scramble]

Alternator question:
[MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION]
When removing my old Alt I noticed the the ground wire was very hot with melted insulation around the connector.
(I had to move my truck from 1 part of the yard to another) I haven't driven it in almost 3 weeks.
Also the plastic around the ground connector on the Alt was melted. See comparison below.

Was this caused by the faulty Alt?
Looks like it could have been a potential fire.
Could it have been the massive corrosion on both connectors restricting the current?
I wire brushed the spade connector on the ground wire before installing the new Alt.

When I installed the new Alt the ground wire didn't get that hot.

I always have a fire extinguisher in the truck but I'm glad I haven't been driving it being afraid to get stuck somewhere.

I did a lot local test driving yesterday & no electrical or burning smells coming from the new Alt or wires.

 

[Newb99]

We have a battery light? :shrug:

Good to know if it ever shows up on my dash.