Odd problems

Inkyturbo · Post by **Inkyturbo** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 5:01 pm

I go out to the car this morning and it starts right up. After starting and releasing the parking brake, I notice that the brake light stayed on, and the charge light is on. The car has a high idle- anywhere from 1000-2000 rpm. It declines the hotter the engine gets. Otherwise the car drives perfectly- brakes are good, no problems starting. This happened overnight, and the only thing I can think of is that we had very high winds last night. I have not changed anything. What is going on?

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 9:43 pm

Things to check.
Push firmly on the connector on the rear of the alternator. Assure it is plugged in.
Assure all connections on the alternator, battery, and if present, external regulator are solid and firm.
Check alternator charge output.

Essentially, the combo of those two lights means that either your charge system is not working, or that a wire is loose somewhere in the charge system.

Good luck!

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 12:04 am

Tap the alternator with a hammer or some such weapon. If the lights go out it is most likely that the alternator brushes are worn too short. It's a fairly easy fix for only a few bucks.

takza · Post by **takza** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 3:17 am

The combination of brake light/alt light is supposed to be a classic symptom of a charging problem with Toyotas.

Inkyturbo · Post by **Inkyturbo** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 3:04 pm

My car still isn't having any problems starting or powering accessories. But I still have those lights on. Should I replace the alternator? And what about the sudden high idle?

Aldavr6 · Post by **Aldavr6** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 6:52 pm

About 3 weeks ago my car start with those symptoms. the last 4 days I didn't start the engine. so today I went to do so and guess what.... the battery died..

So if somebody knows the solution to this It will be great.

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 7:14 pm

Not like we have many high-draw accesories. I went 3 days on a bad alt before I showed any signs.

The high idle could very well be caused by the lack of a large power drain caused by the alternator. Thats constant drain is not there, so it does not stress the engine, so the idle set for when there is draw will be too high when there is no draw.

Inkyturbo · Post by **Inkyturbo** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 7:19 pm

Typrus wrote:Not like we have many high-draw accesories. I went 3 days on a bad alt before I showed any signs.

The high idle could very well be caused by the lack of a large power drain caused by the alternator. Thats constant drain is not there, so it does not stress the engine, so the idle set for when there is draw will be too high when there is no draw.

Makes sense. Alternator it is then. I'll go look for one and maybe I can put it in after Auto Tech class tomorrow.

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 7:51 pm

Remember to check connections before replacing the whole alternator... They aren't all that cheap... And if it DOES come down to entire alternator replacement, I'd recommend trying to upsize the available output. It means that the 55watt pull our cars have will not be the max for the alternator, and as such it will last longer.

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