Failing Alternators and Flickering Battery Light - Help

[sh0rtlife]

400k..has anyone checked the cables and grounds, thats where i would start, the battery cables have been off and on so many times the ends are probably shot and only contributing to the death of an alt by causing it to work overtime due to the way the volt reg senses ..and thus probably over volting the battery now n then

as far as "brand" and alternator is pretty mcuh the same no mater who made it, the volt reg inside the unit may or may not be of quality but....if you went thru that many that fast you have a CABLE/GROUND issue

FWIW an alt can be replaced in under 10 mins and is only 2 bolts

[surfajl77]

Originally Posted by sh0rtlife

400k..has anyone checked the cables and grounds, thats where i would start, the battery cables have been off and on so many times the ends are probably shot and only contributing to the death of an alt by causing it to work overtime due to the way the volt reg senses ..and thus probably over volting the battery now n then

as far as "brand" and alternator is pretty mcuh the same no mater who made it, the volt reg inside the unit may or may not be of quality but....if you went thru that many that fast you have a CABLE/GROUND issue

FWIW an alt can be replaced in under 10 mins and is only 2 bolts

Oh man...I had a horrible time today. I was on my way to get the flickering battery light looked at and the whole dash went haywire. I know what this means, because this happened on the way to Flagstaff when the OG alternator started failing in 2019 (quite terrifying, actually). I immediately tried to exit the freeway, but it died before I could make it. I had to be pushed. To make matters worse, my key fob broke off while trying to remove my key from the ignition, so getting the "teeth" out of the ignition was quite difficult.

After getting it towed to Toyota, they blame the fact that three alternators have failed within 13 months due to them being aftermarket alternators - and they think putting in an OEM alternator will solve my problem, citing how my OG alternator never gave me any issues. This is what they will be doing, but I am not 100% convinced. The only leverage this will give me is a warranty on the alternator if these problems continue.

I would think the technician is checking the cables and grounds - but when I call tomorrow, I'll leave a voicemail with my advisor, making sure that they check all of this.

It was rough, man. 4.5 hours I had to wait for a tow due to repeated miscommunications with Progressive. In a sketchy trailer park located in an extremely high-crime area of Phoenix.

My Yaris and I have been through a lot together to say the least.