88 4runner electrical problem

[Duane]

My friend tells me over breakfast this morning that his 88 4 runner is sometimes flashing up several dummy lights on his instrument cluster and the lights and fan seems to slow down as if the alternator is dropping out and it is just running on the battery. This might happen a couple times in a day or several days apart.
Does anybody have particular experience with this and know what a guy should check? I could see the alternator dropping out but would that explain why more than just the voltage/charging dummy light would come on?
thanks

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Sounds like Alt. or Alt brushes, check the FAQ...

 

[KLF]

Christmas tree display on the dash is a common indicator of a dying alternator.

 

[WristPin]

yep.
brake and alternator lites mean bad brushes on the alternator.

best thing to do is spend the 5 bucks on brushes and replace em yourself. reman parts are junk

 

[KLF]

yep.
brake and alternator lites mean bad brushes on the alternator.

best thing to do is spend the 5 bucks on brushes and replace em yourself. reman parts are junk

Agreed. Kinda like the starter contacts replacement, the hardest part about the job is getting the alternator out. IMO waaaaay too many starters and alternators are replaced on these vehicles (actually, all Toyotas) when the fix is about $10-20 in parts.

 

[Duane]

thanks for the great advice !
He actually took it to the local Toy dealership and for parts and an hours labour or so he has a happy alternator with new brushes.

 

[forestdan7]

Just did this tonight. My charge and brake lights were flashing, but the volts never seemed to drop.

I was able to get the alternator out without disconnecting or even moving the lower radiator hose.

Put on new belts at the same time, and everything took about an hour. New brushes in the holder (so you don't have to solder them in) are about $13 from Cdan.

Here's the process:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/79-95-toyota-truck-tech/191784-alternator-brush-change.html