Mud and Alternator problems?

so, i just bought an 01 tacoma v6 4x4. today we went out and got it dirty. it was a blast.

it was me and one other tacoma (a 97, with a 2.7 liter)

we both went through some deep puddles and now both of our battery lights are on. we tried spraying the alternator and battery terminals with brake cleaner, and then reset the computer by undoing the battery.

in both cases, the battery light is still on. the manual says that this is the battery discharge warning.

did we ruin our alternators? has this happened to anyone else?

is there any way to fix this? or should i just get a new one?

thanks for the help

 

Wow, is that a coincidence? As for the 97 Taco, it just may be time to replace the alternator or what's listed below, may apply.

For the 2001, I’m at a loss for words. How deep were you in mud and how many miles on your Taco? For you to have your alternator submerged in mud, you must have been in some serious puddle. If it was, it’s advisable to look into replacing it (alternator) since all your winding may be covered in mud and the mud may be acting as a conductor between the windings where the insulation may have deteriorated/broken down.

If a belt drives your alternator, ensure the belt tensioner has not ceased and is not driving your alternator at the required speed. Also, check all your connectors, clean and reinstall. Let us know what you find.

 

the mud/water we were in was pretty deep. i think i have a 6in lift, and the mud got all the way to the hood.

both trucks hit the same puddle, and both have the same light.

i hit the alternator with brake cleaner and doesn't appear to be binding.

i'll try your suggestions, and let you know what i find

 

water and mud kill alternators i think you need a new one

 

Yeah, i ended up getting a new one. $124.99 at autozone - lifetime warantee.

 

When you buy critical components such as alternators, starters etc... always, I repeat always buy OEM. They might cost you 5 times more, but it will save you a lot of time and trouble and labour costs in the long run.

 

Instead of replacing the alternator, find a shop in your local town that can re-build it. Usually any electrical motor place will rebuild an alt.

 

Ummmmm, Toyota didn't make Tacos until 1995.5, are you referring to the Toyota Pickup instead?

 

Maybe there is a short some where in the electrical system that is draining the battery and causing the alternator to "over-work", OR maybe the alternator is over heating (bad-bushings could do that).

 

Mine went out because it was submerged.... i just thought it strange that mine and another taco's both went out, but the stock jeep alternators (went just as far under as mine did, if not more) didn't go out. what's the deal-y-o?

 

Note To Self Stay Out Of Seep Mud And Water:d

 

deep Mud I Cant Spell

 

what's the point of having a lifted 4x4 if you can't hit some serious mud?

the jeeps both had mud on top of their hoods, and both came home w/ no electrical problems.... but the two tacoma's one with a 2.7L and mine with a 3.4L had both alternators fail.......

what's the difference?