Boomboombd
New member
I have a 2001 4runner with 150k miles on it. I replaced the alternator 2yrs ago with an 80amp model from Autozone. My truck is idling at 500rpms, the lights and climate fan will increase as the rpms increase. I am having a problem with the battery not charging. I took it to OReilly and they tested the battery which is a 2 yr old optima gel cell battery and said that it is only 45% charged and that my alternator is putting out 11 volts and 30 amps. After searching the forums and wondering if my low idle had anything to do with it I went back to OReilly and tested it again this time with a little higher rpm (1200) they tested the alternator and found it was putting out 13volts and 40 amps.
My question is this.....
Do you think I should look into getting the idle up to 800rpms before looking into the alternator or battery? Or should I replace the alternator / battery again?
This is my first post so please forgive me it this is an elementary question, I apologize. I am just at wits end right now with this truck and dont want to just change out parts.
My thought is that until the idle is up to around 800rpm I cant really verify that the alternator is working, and in turn that the battery is charging?
I do plow occasionally with the truck and was wondering if I should leave the idle where its at and get a smaller pulley on the alternator so it runs at a higher rate.
Is my line of thinking off base?
My question is this.....
Do you think I should look into getting the idle up to 800rpms before looking into the alternator or battery? Or should I replace the alternator / battery again?
This is my first post so please forgive me it this is an elementary question, I apologize. I am just at wits end right now with this truck and dont want to just change out parts.
My thought is that until the idle is up to around 800rpm I cant really verify that the alternator is working, and in turn that the battery is charging?
I do plow occasionally with the truck and was wondering if I should leave the idle where its at and get a smaller pulley on the alternator so it runs at a higher rate.
Is my line of thinking off base?