Battery light, low voltage..anything other than alternator?

Heya All:

2000 single cab 2.7L 5spd 180kmi. Mechanic put a new alternator in about 3 months ago. Battery light came on the other day. Multimeter shows 12.24 volts on the battery with engine off. Engine running shows 11.69 volts, and with headlights on it drops to 11.49 volts. All tests taken on the battery terminal studs. All the fuses under the hood appear fine.

Any ideas what's causing battery light and low voltage, considering its running a brand new alternator...? Other tests I could do to isolate the issue?

Thanks for the help!

 

Alts bad. Did you get a Denso or a cheap aftermarket alt?

 

Aftermarket sucks...they want last 3 months

 

Probably a "spray and pray" rebuild, buy a Denso.

 

Hey, thanks everyone for chiming in -- confirms my guess.

Indeed, cheap aftermarket -- has a Car Quest sticker on it. I usually do my own work and would have done a Denso, but it was mid-winter crusty rusty alternator swap so sent to the mechanic. I think they'll warranty it all.

 

Double check the 7.5 amp ALT-S fuse.

 

Car Quest may be OK, just bad luck, but the Denso rebuilt units are the way to go.

 

Even if they cover it all get the Denso if you can afford it. In my old 88 Toyo Van I went through 3 cheap "lifetime" alts in a year before I finally just put the Denso in. Lesson learned.

Nice pic of Fitz Roy BTW. I got some buddies that should be coming back for El Chalten soon. Should be some good stories.

 

Get new meter leads

 

Thanks -- I did check that one specifically but will double check!

Thanks, multi meter is brand new...

 

Thanks, good advise -- I'll see what they can do this week on putting in a Denso. I've tried to get them to use genuine parts in the past and they don't because they don't have an account with the dealer, it seems.

Cool you recognize the photo -- I've spent a fair amount of time in Chalten and the southern cone. On the trip of that photo I paddled the full length of the Santa Cruz river (carries the meltwater from there to Atlantic). Didn't see a single person for 10 days.

 

Closing this post out --- yes to Alternator fail. Car quest Alt. lasted 3 months. All parts and labor under warranty. Did not upgrade to Denso as caused shop complications, and after 14 years I'm letting this truck go later this year. Thanks y'all --

 

Where in the US are you located... I have people asking if I know of 1st gen Tacomas for sale all the time. Odd thing, 3rd gen 4Runners I have few lines on those, trucks, they disappear quick.

 

I’m in the northeast NY/VT border area. Truck is single cab 2.7 180kmi and excellently maintained with many new parts. Runs excellent. Does have pending frame issues that will need repair. Sleeved one side but other side is due. I’ll likely post it to TW when I’m ready in summer or fall. Pm me if you want to discuss more. Thx—

 

Darn it, in So Cal.

 

Rare as they may be, much better options in your area!

 

Yo fellas,
my battery light is still on,
New battery, shows 13.1v when truck is not running.
new alternator charging at 14.3v when truck is running.
Checked the 7.5 fuse. its good.
I put a new negative terminal on as well, old one was just a little beat up. still no change.

whats next to check?