Help! - Charging system light on road trip

[gaijin]

Am I misreading this? A new, OEM alternator can be purchased for $312 from a dealer:

View attachment 2743642

I get about the same from my goto parts dealer:

HTH

 

[BigMF]

If that is the true cost of a new one, I may go ahead and swap it out when I go in to do my radiator, water pump, etc. this fall.

One thing I am wondering is whether having a higher demand than normal for power over a prolonged period is what killed it. I've tried to add up what I was throwing at it and came out around 55 AMPs as an absolute max when the Jackery was plugged in and charging along with the compressor running and various electronic devices plugged into USB charges. Does anyone know what the normal draw is on the alternator? I know the specs says it can put out 180 AMPS so I'm trying to figure out if I need to go with a heavy-duty alternative in the future. I don't think so but I'm not sure if the 55 AMPs plus some possibility in the future where I was running the lightbar (20 AMPs) and anything else (maybe a winch if I'm lucky enough to have one if I need it ) running.

 

[RET2]

If that is the true cost of a new one, I may go ahead and swap it out when I go in to do my radiator, water pump, etc. this fall.

One thing I am wondering is whether having a higher demand than normal for power over a prolonged period is what killed it. I've tried to add up what I was throwing at it and came out around 55 AMPs as an absolute max when the Jackery was plugged in and charging along with the compressor running and various electronic devices plugged into USB charges. Does anyone know what the normal draw is on the alternator? I know the specs says it can put out 180 AMPS so I'm trying to figure out if I need to go with a heavy-duty alternative in the future. I don't think so but I'm not sure if the 55 AMPs plus some possibility in the future where I was running the lightbar (20 AMPs) and anything else (maybe a winch if I'm lucky enough to have one if I need it ) running.

Who really knows why the electrons revolt occasionally at the worst time? Because they can, first clue should be that their last name is Murphy.

 

[Lester did that]

Disagree in “standard” practice. I replaced my alternator and the dealer gave me a Toyota/Denso remanufactured part.

But that's exactly what I said? They offer a rebuilt OEM part to save a few bucks unless you ask for a new part. They are not selling you some rebuilt garbage knock off. It's OEM just rebuilt. Also why certain parts they will charge you a "core" fee that you get back after you return the old part. They are not being kind or care about the environment. They are selling it back to be rebuilt or scrapped at a profit.

But you should have nailed me on my extreme price differences. I always exaggerate those types of things.

 

[RET2]

But that's exactly what I said? They offer a rebuilt OEM part to save a few bucks unless you ask for a new part. They are not selling you some rebuilt garbage knock off. It's OEM just rebuilt. Also why certain parts they will charge you a "core" fee that you get back after you return the old part. They are not being kind or care about the environment. They are selling it back to be rebuilt or scrapped at a profit.

But you should have nailed me on my extreme price differences. I always exaggerate those types of things.

You must have worked at a dealership or did you just stay at a Holiday Inn once?

 

[mcgaskins]

If that is the true cost of a new one, I may go ahead and swap it out when I go in to do my radiator, water pump, etc. this fall.

One thing I am wondering is whether having a higher demand than normal for power over a prolonged period is what killed it. I've tried to add up what I was throwing at it and came out around 55 AMPs as an absolute max when the Jackery was plugged in and charging along with the compressor running and various electronic devices plugged into USB charges. Does anyone know what the normal draw is on the alternator? I know the specs says it can put out 180 AMPS so I'm trying to figure out if I need to go with a heavy-duty alternative in the future. I don't think so but I'm not sure if the 55 AMPs plus some possibility in the future where I was running the lightbar (20 AMPs) and anything else (maybe a winch if I'm lucky enough to have one if I need it ) running.

Have you experienced any more issues? I’d prefer something like the Jackery with solar over a second battery, but I don’t want to run into vehicle charging issues when connecting the Jackery to the car.

 

[Fisher23]

How many miles does the alternator normally last?

 

[tbisaacs]

How many miles does the alternator normally last?

My first one went out at 110k due to natural causes. My second one was murdered with mud.

 

[bloc]

I’d say even 110 is a very short life for an original Toyota alternator.