headlights dim at idle

[puppetz007]

so my head lights dim while idling in drive and work fine while i'm driving. would this be because of a bad battery or a bad alternator?

 

[the great him]

alternator issues

 

[Elton H]

alternator issues

x2 might be on its way out id take it some where get a load test done

 

[puppetz007]

weird because i replaced it about 5 months ago... must have gotten a bad alternator

 

[Clemsonfan15]

That blows. You might want to look at putting in a bigger alternator.

 

[the great him]

cs144 time....

 

[BrianSD_42]

weird because i replaced it about 5 months ago... must have gotten a bad alternator

Did you replace it with a Toyota alternator or AUTOZONE alternator?

I am fixing to replace my 200,000 mile factory alternator with a new factory alternator. I am not really interested in putting in a larger GM one.

 

[t4r4life]

buy a rebuilt one on ebay they put out more power than stock 120 i believe vs stock 80 something

 

[Elton H]

cs144 time....

yes more power and it cost about the same

 

[t4r4life]

yes more power and it cost about the same

they dont fit right on

 

[puppetz007]

Did you replace it with a Toyota alternator or AUTOZONE alternator?

I replaced it with an Autozone one.

buy a rebuilt one on ebay they put out more power than stock 120 i believe vs stock 80 something

Do you have a link to a good rated seller on ebay for these?

 

[IanB]

You may also want to make sure your grounds are in good shape.

 

[the great him]

they dont fit right on

a couple shims(washers) and a slight wiring modification, and it will bot right in, and plug right in, its simple easy as 123, abc

 

[BrianSD_42]

I generally shy away from autozone parts. you can get the toyota alternator from an online dealer in TX for $180.

is the truck idling at 900 rpm? sometimes mine idles at 650-700, that would affect the output. I dont think the lights should dim.

why don't you go to pep boys. they will be able to check the true current draw at idle for $15. if it is not 80 amp (out whatever spec is) then return the part and go with Toyota.

Also consider doing "the big three" - google it.

 

[BradB]

Yes. Alternator. I just had the same problem and it was the hi-tension wire coming out of the alternator. It had corrosion on it. I replaced the wire. Took maybe an hour. Problem fixed. Cost: $0.00.