1999 LX470 Alternator Failing! Can I upgrade to 130 Amp?

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Agent T

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Hey Guys,

The alternator on my 1999 LX470 is going out. It started to whine a couple weeks ago and now the voltage is slowly dropping. In researching OEM replacements, I found my year vehicle specs are for a 100 amp alternator. However, if I order a Lexus OEM replacement online, the replacement is 130 amps. Similar replacement for a 1999 Toyota OEM (online also) is for a 100 amp. I would rather upgrade to a 130 amp alternator if it won't cause any problems. Any one have recommendations or concerns?

Also, just as an FYI on Optima batteries and the possible issues with "yellow tops". I ran an Optima red top in the rig from 2001 to 2015 with no issues. The red top's physical size was a little smaller than the factory batter, which stretched the ground wire to its limit. But not a big deal. When I purchased the red top, the shop didn't have a yellow top in stock and said the red top would work just fine...and as a bonus was a little cheaper. The red top never failed me, but I decided to replace it when I found a small crack next to the positive terminal. Moving on, in October 2015, I replaced the red top with the yellow top. Battery has performed well over the last year and testing shows it is still in good condition. I found some post in the forum questioning the yellow top's compatibility with our charging systems...so I wanted to throw my "two cents" in. I have over 210K miles, so I don't think the yellow top contributed to the demise of my alternator...but I guess it is possible.

Thanks!
 
Do the easy thing and just swap in a quality 100 amp alternator and forget wiring in the square plug on the larger output LC & Sequoia alternators.

Unless you have a valid reason for knowing you need 30 additional amps you're just in for an exercise in futility. FWIW I have used my 100A alternator to keep my dual Odyssey batteries and (then) dual Lifeline Group 31 batteries in my Kimberley Kamper happy for years. And the same alternator is now, in addition to my 2 Odyssey batteries, keeping a 200 amp lithium battery charged in my current trailer. Not to mention 500+ watts of stereo amps, fridge/freeze and numerous LED lights including a larger Rigid LED light bar.

More isn't necessarily better or needed ;)
 
Most likely it is the brush kit inside the alternator. The kit at the dealer is about $22 and super easy to replace. Have you check the brushes?
Start watching from 12th minute in the following video (it is made for a 4rd gen 4runner but all toyota's have the same alternator setup).

 
Awesome information. Thanks guys. I leaning more towards replacing the complete alternator because it is whining so loud. At least I think the whine is coming from the alternator. I'm guessing a bearing is going. Sounds like the 100 amp unit will work just fine. Is there a difference between the 1999 Lexus and 1999 Toyota connectors. It appears I can order a 100 amp OEM replacement for a 1999 Land Cruiser for about $75 less than I can order the 1999 Lexus OEM replacement. Also, the Lexus part search at Lexus of Atlanta cross references the 130 amp and the 100 amp alternator with the same part number. I will have to check with them tomorrow to confirm
 
The 130 amp unit is for 2003+ LC and LX 27060-50360-84

The 100 amp part number = 27060-50260-84 and supercedes the 80 AMP. Should be about $260-280 new/reman.

The parts (and part numbers) are the same for Lexus and Toyota (as mentioned). Denso is the OEM brand.
 
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^^^ FWIW, that -84 suffix means remanufactured or locally sourced. Probably Denso USA. Not saying it's bad. From Japan, it would be easily twice the price.
 
hoser said:
^^^ FWIW, that -84 suffix means remanufactured or locally sourced. Probably Denso USA. Not saying it's bad. From Japan, it would be easily twice the price.
Click to expand...

I updated my post to indicate.

I know you did the sequoia ALT - did you update the wiring or fuses at all?
 
Yes, I did install the 150A Sequoia Alternator about 3 years ago. I left the OE charge cable in place and added a 4 gauge charge cable (fused).

nissanh said:
Most likely it is the brush kit inside the alternator. The kit at the dealer is about $22 and super easy to replace. Have you check the brushes?
Click to expand...

FWIW, I heard a squealing sound prior to my OE alternator giving up. After removal, I checked the brushes and they still looked good.... or at least had some material on them left. I didn't investigate any further though.
 
Rob, 14.3v is the max output I'm getting from my O'Reilly or whatever parts house I bought it from years ago (100a, lifetime warranty) after learning the hard way that Toyota reman alts are junk.
 
Total Hijack on @Agent T 's thread...

My current ALT is original (185K miles)

The Sequoia ALT interests me. So I need ALT and new connector? Possibly additional Charge cable like Hoser?

[EDIT] Just checked and it seems the Sequoia ALTs are reman as well from Toy.

DC Power systems?
 
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Old alternator is out (2 hours dropping it out from the bottom with just the PS pump bolts out, allowing for the PS pump to swing out of the way) But, I broke the plastic tab on the alternator connector. Anyone have any good ideas for a quick fix to keep the connector plug from backing out? Also, should I put some dielectric grease in the connector? It appears the factory one had some white grease of some type in there. Thanks!!!
 
Going to need a new alternator connector if you want to fix it properly/reliably ... sorry I don't have the PN but they're available from Toyota.
 
I can't believe it but the Toyota dealership told me if I don't have the part number for the connector, they can't help me. Lexus dealership's parts department is closed.
 
Please check the diameter of the alternator pulley. I replaced a reman alternator to my corolla. It works fine but with a heavy current load (AC max, DRL and condenser fan) the engine started vibrating at idle. Went ahead and replaced few engine mounts and still the same. Yesterday, I went with an OEM toyota and the first thing I noticed is the vibration is no more. After checking the diameters I found OEM toyota has 2.75 inches and the reman had 2.25 inches! This makes sense with the engine vibration
 
Agent T said:
I can't believe it but the Toyota dealership told me if I don't have the part number for the connector, they can't help me. Lexus dealership's parts department is closed.
Click to expand...

Tell the duffus parts guy you want a billable hour at his wage :D

This is the one (same as 80-Series).

REPAIR PLUG HARNESS 3-WIRE PIN PIGTAIL FOR LEXUS LX450 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 4.5L | eBay

edit: If you're nervous about using the 1FZ part then get your part #'s in the description here for 2UZ-FE: ALTERNATOR REPAIR PLUG HARNESS 3 WIRE FOR TOYOTA LAND CRUISER LEXUS LX 470 4.7L | eBay
 
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