Hey folks. I have a series 100 (2000). The battery light is on but it’s running fine. Bought a battery a week ago. Additionally my mechanic said that the click that happens when it won’t start (occasionally) is the starter. Do you think I need a starter and alternator or is this a deeper underlying issue
Battery light on series 100
- Thread starter Cubiclegangsta
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Did the battery light go off/was it cleared when it was replaced?
the battery indicator light is a charging system warning and there is a problem with that, meaning most likely the alternator is malfunctioning. fix that first and then if you still have starting issues, maybe time to replace starter.
What is the voltage at the battery at idle without any accessories running? It should be at least 13 V.
If you still have the OEM alternator, inspect the brushes and replace it with an OEM brush kit. Don't swap your OEM alternator with an aftermarket refurbished unit as those are just garbage.
Your starter can click due to workout starter contacts and the plunger. The OEM kit (two contacts and plunger) is about $30 and replace it. Your starter might click if the voltage is low. First get the charging system right and then check for starter clicks.
If you still have the OEM alternator, inspect the brushes and replace it with an OEM brush kit. Don't swap your OEM alternator with an aftermarket refurbished unit as those are just garbage.
Your starter can click due to workout starter contacts and the plunger. The OEM kit (two contacts and plunger) is about $30 and replace it. Your starter might click if the voltage is low. First get the charging system right and then check for starter clicks.
fooldall1
Handy Enthusiast
Or, just replace it with a Denso Alternator? I purchased One new, but could be refurbished- but at least it's refurbished by Denso in any case.
That battery light is almost certainly related to the alternator going bad.
- Thread starter
- #6
The light went off and never turned back on. Weird
- Thread starter
- #7
Good advice here. Appreciate it
gregnash
Anal Retentive Analyst
Check the battery posts and cables to ensure that they are clean. Mine was having a similar issue, random starter CLICK and nothing, until I cleaned the posts and clamps real well and coated with some anti-corrosion battery gel (little green packet you get at yous LAPS) and, knock on wood, I have not had an issue since.
This happened to 01 LC two weeks ago, the battery light came on. After checking voltage to the charging system (alternator) while car was running only showed 12volts. I thought it would be ok to drive to work just one more day. Unfortunately I didn’t make it back home from the office. I replaced with Denso refurbished alternator (210-0565) on Amazon (looks new, but I’m sure it’s refurbished). Also bought a spare brush holder to replace the bad alternator to keep as spare. I went ahead and replace battery as well to standard interstate battery group 27. (No fridge or other accessories...yet). And lastly I updated both battery terminals to Slee military style with extension just because the OEM terminals has seen better days.
It is good practice to cover/insulate the positive terminal with some non-conductive material
If this was happening to me, and I had a brand new battery I would confirm battery terminals are in good shape and replace with denso reman alternator since its actually a good Preventative maintenance post 200k and cheap to replace with many examples failing around this time, below is a official denso online link which you can find buy navigating the official denso website. It's a very competitive price compared to purchasing at Toyota dealer.
Make sure you enter your year make and model to verify its the correct alternator.
Make sure you enter your year make and model to verify its the correct alternator.
If your alternator is spinning smoothly and you hear no bearing noises, you can just clean and replace the brushes. Have the alternator tested when removed to confirm the diodes are all good.
gregnash
Anal Retentive Analyst
That's a nice little upgrade kit from Slee on the battery connectors. Looks like I will be adding that to my purchase list. Like adding things like that to ensure my trucks always have adequate power.
What "big 3" wire kit did you use?
What "big 3" wire kit did you use?
I purchased 4 gauge wire from amazon and upgraded the two ground wires from engine to chassis. I also cut and crimp new lugs to negative terminals. Basically big 2 not really big 3.
This is the route I went. Right after I got my 100 I noticed that leaving the doors open for an hour or two would drain the battery. I swapped out the alternator brush kit ($25?) and put a new battery in, because the old one was weak. It's been perfect ever since. I accidentally left the dome lights on for an entire night last month and the car started fine the next morning, for example.
- Thread starter
- #16
Thank you all. It made this starting issue for 3 days and it never happened again. Which has me even more concerned. Time to do some preventive maintenance so this issue doesn’t present itself again far from home
hoser
SILVER Star
Time to replace the alternator. This happened to me about a month ago and switched out alternators and problem was solved.
