Alternator or voltage regulator? + battery light on (1 Viewer)

[nulo]

97 LX450; drove it from CA to CO last two weeks ago, no issues. Yesterday the battery light came on intermittently. Sometimes it holds on, other times it almost flashes on/off. Alternator test at O’Reilleys shows voltage regulator failed test. I used a voltage meter at home and it’s only holding at 12.4V with lights on/off/blinkers/etc.

Trust O’Reilleys and buy a new voltage regulator? Buy a new alternator? Try to replace brushes on alternator?

(I did some searching on forums and nobody seems to have this type of a problem, only related issues which helped me troubleshoot a little bit).

 

[jonheld]

97 LX450; drove it from CA to CO last two weeks ago, no issues. Yesterday the battery light came on intermittently. Sometimes it holds on, other times it almost flashes on/off. Alternator test at O’Reilleys shows voltage regulator failed test. I used a voltage meter at home and it’s only holding at 12.4V with lights on/off/blinkers/etc.

Trust O’Reilleys and buy a new voltage regulator? Buy a new alternator? Try to replace brushes on alternator?

(I did some searching on forums and nobody seems to have this type of a problem, only related issues which helped me troubleshoot a little bit).

The voltage regulator is internal to the alternator.
While it is still available (27700-75020) it is more expensive than a complete rebuilt unit (27060-66070-84).
The brush assembly is very inexpensive (27370-75060) if you want to give that a try first.
Don't use aftermarket alternators or alternator parts. If you intend to replace the unit, make sure it's a Denso product.

 

[nulo]

Thanks for the part numbers, ended up putting in an order today for just the brush assembly (got to love that near 50% shipping charge). I’m hoping it’s only this, as the battery light was off most of my drive today, only coming on and off a few times. Let’s hope the brushes fix the problem and I’m not $300+ out for a new alternator (+shipping +core charge) in a week.

 

[jonheld]

Thanks for the part numbers, ended up putting in an order today for just the brush assembly (got to love that near 50% shipping charge). I’m hoping it’s only this, as the battery light was off most of my drive today, only coming on and off a few times. Let’s hope the brushes fix the problem and I’m not $300+ out for a new alternator (+shipping +core charge) in a week.

27060-66070-84 - Alternator 1993-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser | Ourisman Toyota Parts

Save Money On Your Alternator (270606607084) For Your 1993-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser When You Shop With Ourisman Toyota Parts!

toyotaparts.ourismantoyotaofrichmond.com

 

[nulo]

Update for the community TLDR: loose/corroded bolt on regulator to battery cable.

I started taking things apart to remove the alternator (in prep of new OEM one showing up today). As I pulled the rubber cover away from the bolt on the regulator, this is what I saw. I cleaned it up, tightened it down, and magic: the battery light went away, voltage holding at the right levels, etc.

I did notice the installed alternator isn’t OEM; with an OEM one on the way, just need to figure out if I want to return it or hold as a spare.