No Battery Light with Key on.

[Levitan]

1999 Toyota 4runner Limited, 4x4, 3400, auto, 150k

For starts, I'm the kind of guy that tries to research and fix things on my own, usually not asking questions. This time, I'm lost and hope somebody can give me a path to follow.

Typical situation, driving at night, check engine light comes on, headlights dim, I figure it's the alternator. Go to Advance Auto, get replacement. Install. Start my ride, zero charge. Do the Google machine deep dive and discover that if the "battery light" in the cluster doesn't turn on with the key in the "on" position, it won't allow an "ignitor", I believe, to tell the alternator to charge. So, turn key on, no battery indicator light. Must be blown bulb. Pull the cluster, swap the "battery bulb" with the "seatbelt bulb", seatbelt light comes on, still no "battery light". So, bulbs are good. I checked the fuse in the dash and it is good.

I am absolutely lost with the next steps to take. I'm relatively mechanically inclined. I have plenty of tools, voltmeter, Haynes manual, etc. I just need help from somebody who is fluent in 4runner electrical and is a good teacher. Any help or directions would be much appreciated.

 

[Skulking]

1999 Toyota 4runner Limited, 4x4, 3400, auto, 150k

For starts, I'm the kind of guy that tries to research and fix things on my own, usually not asking questions. This time, I'm lost and hope somebody can give me a path to follow.

Typical situation, driving at night, check engine light comes on, headlights dim, I figure it's the alternator. Go to Advance Auto, get replacement. Install. Start my ride, zero charge. Do the Google machine deep dive and discover that if the "battery light" in the cluster doesn't turn on with the key in the "on" position, it won't allow an "ignitor", I believe, to tell the alternator to charge. So, turn key on, no battery indicator light. Must be blown bulb. Pull the cluster, swap the "battery bulb" with the "seatbelt bulb", seatbelt light comes on, still no "battery light". So, bulbs are good. I checked the fuse in the dash and it is good.

I am absolutely lost with the next steps to take. I'm relatively mechanically inclined. I have plenty of tools, voltmeter, Haynes manual, etc. I just need help from somebody who is fluent in 4runner electrical and is a good teacher. Any help or directions would be much appreciated.

What code was the CEL for?

To confirm what you have done, you noticed your lights dim and threw a CEL. You assumed it was the alternator so you replaced it. After you replaced the alternator, "Zero charge". Does that mean the new alternator isn't charging? How did you confirm that? Do you mean your car won't start because the battery has no charge?

 

[brillo_76]

Check your battery voltage with a volt meter 12 volts is low and fully charged colser to 13volts.



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[spartacus]

1999 Toyota 4runner Limited, 4x4, 3400, auto, 150k

For starts, I'm the kind of guy that tries to research and fix things on my own, usually not asking questions. This time, I'm lost and hope somebody can give me a path to follow.

Typical situation, driving at night, check engine light comes on, headlights dim, I figure it's the alternator. Go to Advance Auto, get replacement. Install. Start my ride, zero charge. Do the Google machine deep dive and discover that if the "battery light" in the cluster doesn't turn on with the key in the "on" position, it won't allow an "ignitor", I believe, to tell the alternator to charge. So, turn key on, no battery indicator light. Must be blown bulb. Pull the cluster, swap the "battery bulb" with the "seatbelt bulb", seatbelt light comes on, still no "battery light". So, bulbs are good. I checked the fuse in the dash and it is good.

I am absolutely lost with the next steps to take. I'm relatively mechanically inclined. I have plenty of tools, voltmeter, Haynes manual, etc. I just need help from somebody who is fluent in 4runner electrical and is a good teacher. Any help or directions would be much appreciated.

Test the 3 pin connector for continuity on the alternator one of those wires goes to the battery light. The other is ign wire from the fuse box to the alternator. If the wires are cut or loose. The battery wouldn't charge.

 

[anarky321]

does the battery indicator light not working prevent charging? aren't they on different circuits?

have a similar issue no battery light at key on - bulb is good...continuity on the indicator wire at alternator plug is good