offraoding problems

[byro58]

so i took my 99 runner out to a local 4x4 play area and after going through mud/sand pits everything was fine but i as i was driving home i stopped because my check engine light went on. so i tried to turn the car back on and it wouldnt start. i called AAA and got it towed to my house. the next day i talked with my friends about it who said they had the same problem and it was the alternator/battery. so i plan on doing much more off roading and i was wondering if there are any addons/mods i could do to my truck that would make it able to take some beatings without having it to be towed every time. thanks,

 

[greyghost4x4]

I doubt that off roading made your alternator bad. Maybe it was on it's last leg before you went off roading. I off road all the time and never had that problem. As for the things you would need, check the off road section and do a search. You will see that there are pleanty of things that people pack with them when they are having fun.

Evan

 

[Thai]

Did you do any water crossings or play in deep mud?? Water/mud can kill alternators. It is a weak point in all cars...water/mud + alternator = kaput!

 

[greyghost4x4]

Ahh I didn't think of that Thai, I don't go water crossing.

Evan

 

[Stick Figure]

i'm sure sand getting in there wouldn't be good for it either.

 

[techno]

If your check engine light came on then you will have an error code in the computer. Get the code pulled and then start working on the causes. Yes, the alternator could be an issue but dont assume when you can get a very reliable positive indication from the error code.

 

[01goldt4r]

I had your same problem, i got stuck really bad and my alternator fried, mud and water basically flooded it, if i were you i would go to a junk yard and get one from there