1991 LJ78 Prado (2lte) chime won't turn off... ever!

[Big Dumps]

Hi folks, I've been a lurker to these forums for awhile, but this my first posting, and thankfully the first problem I've had with my beloved Prado. Today, after doing the usual glow routine on a semi-cold fall morning in southern British Columbia (it's a Wilson switch that the P.O installed) the chime that comes on after turning the ignition, remains on forever (until I turn the vehicle off of course). Not only is this annoying as all hell, but it's also draining my practically brand new battery, even while I'm driving it!

Does anybody know what could be causing this? What is the purpose of this chime in the first place? Is it related to the glow system in any way? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Big Dumps]

Okay, something I failed to mention in the previous post, a bunch of warning lights remain lit up: AT temp, turbo light, timing belt, battery, and parking brake light, as well as the annoying buzzer. A quick Google search has lead me to believe it's a sign of a failing alternator, but I'm welcoming any second opinions on that one.

Also, if it is in fact the alternator, does anybody know where I can scoop up a decent used one in the Lower Mainland of BC, quick like? I'm currently broken down in Hope, BC on a long weekend of all times.

 

[JimmyPrado]

Post up on the Coastal Cruisers page in the club section too! They have Members out that way

 

[JimmyPrado]

You mentioned the buzzer was draining your new battery. Hard to believe a buzzer would do that unless it was on for a very long time. The alternator would make more sense or a short somewhere. Can you get it to a shop that can test your Alt?

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Okay, something I failed to mention in the previous post, a bunch of warning lights remain lit up: AT temp, turbo light, timing belt, battery, and parking brake light, as well as the annoying buzzer. A quick Google search has lead me to believe it's a sign of a failing alternator, but I'm welcoming any second opinions on that one.

Also, if it is in fact the alternator, does anybody know where I can scoop up a decent used one in the Lower Mainland of BC, quick like? I'm currently broken down in Hope, BC on a long weekend of all times.

I agree with Jimmy, definitely an alternator issue, not a buzzer issue. I recommend talking to Barry at jdmparts.ca 250-546-9805 . He's located in Armstrong BC. He's got parts vehicles with 2LTEs, and stocks parts too.

That said, I've run my Prado for a long time with a failed alternator. Just make sure you drive with your lights off and heater fan off. Charge the batteries completely first of course.

Good luck.

 

[Big Dumps]

Thanks for the replies, guys! Unfortunately there are no shops open here on this long weekend. Guess I'll get the battery on a charger and hope for the best to make it to my destination today.

Funny, but more annoying, is that I was literally just in Armstrong. I picked up a couple of minor things from Barry as I passed through, but at the time was seeing no signs of a failing alt. There must be someone in Vancouver that sells JDM parts, no? It would be much more convenient, as that's the direction I'm headed... or Vancouver Island if I can make it that far. I'm not opposed to a brand spanking new alternator either.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Thanks for the replies, guys! Unfortunately there are no shops open here on this long weekend. Guess I'll get the battery on a charger and hope for the best to make it to my destination today.

Funny, but more annoying, is that I was literally just in Armstrong. I picked up a couple of minor things from Barry as I passed through, but at the time was seeing no signs of a failing alt. There must be someone in Vancouver that sells JDM parts, no? It would be much more convenient, as that's the direction I'm headed... or Vancouver Island if I can make it that far. I'm not opposed to a brand spanking new alternator either.

Before continuing on your trip, maybe buy a voltmeter and a battery charger with extension cord. Keep a careful eye on your voltage so you don't get stranded. Would be best if you could get one of those volt meters that plug into the cigarette lighter so you can constantly monitor it. Not sure what voltage the ECU will cut out, but I'd be leery of going lower than 11.5V or so. Maybe pack a spare battery if you can.

I drove around my home town for about a week before I noticed my alternator was having problems. But that was only 30min a day or something. Maybe it was gradually crapping out too, I'm not sure.

There is a place on Vancouver Island called Rocky Mountain Imports, and they would have an alternator for sure. Probably pricey tho. I think a guy on this forum called @Postoy was parting a 2LTE too, and maybe he stil has an alternator for sale. He lives in the Fraser Valley I believe. Could try messaging him.

Good luck.

 

[Big Dumps]

Before continuing on your trip, maybe buy a voltmeter and a battery charger with extension cord. Keep a careful eye on your voltage so you don't get stranded. Would be best if you could get one of those volt meters that plug into the cigarette lighter so you can constantly monitor it. Not sure what voltage the ECU will cut out, but I'd be leery of going lower than 11.5V or so. Maybe pack a spare battery if you can.

I drove around my home town for about a week before I noticed my alternator was having problems. But that was only 30min a day or something. Maybe it was gradually crapping out too, I'm not sure.

There is a place on Vancouver Island called Rocky Mountain Imports, and they would have an alternator for sure. Probably pricey tho. I think a guy on this forum called @Postoy was parting a 2LTE too, and maybe he stil has an alternator for sale. He lives in the Fraser Valley I believe. Could try messaging him.

Good luck.

Thanks GTSSportCoupe! Well, I took your advice and got a battery charger. Hopefully in the morning a full charge will be enough to get me to the island. I feel fairly confident. Yesterday, I made it from Kelowna to here before the the voltage started dropping and the headlights dimmed to nearly useless. I wish the alternator was on my radar at the time because I never would've done the trip and would've stayed in Kelowna, where I'm sure I would've had a lot more options. I swear things always go sideways for me whenever I pass through Hope... Hopeless in Hope, lol!

 

[Big Dumps]

Hah, the title of this thread just seems ridiculous now!

Anyways, here's an update. After completely charging my battery overnight, the old girl fired right up. No warning lights, no annoying buzzer. Nothing. Everything as it should be. I drove to Chilliwack, watching the stock voltage gauge hovering around 14v. Then, like GTS suggested, I picked up one of those cigarette lighter volt meters from Canadian Tire, and sure enough everything reads fine. No voltage drop whatsoever. The alternator seems to have fixed itself! What the heck? I know I'm not in the clear, but at least I bought some time and am no longer hopeless in Hope.

Thanks for the helpful suggestions, guys!

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Good news, glad you made it! One thing to check is the tension on your belts. Make sure their not slipping on the alternator. But I'd budget to get it rebuilt too....

 

[Postoy]

Glad to hear! Sorry I wasn't able to help you (sold my alternator long ago)