Super easy alternator fix

My alternator was putting out low voltage, so I figured the brushes needed to be replaced. Put new brushes in, and it didn't help. My old brushes were very short so I was surprised it didn't help. I watched a bunch of online videos, and did a bunch of searches on TacomaWorld. Did some test, and all I could figure out was the alternator was still putting out way low voltage. With the engine running it showed 12.0 volts. Revving it didn't change anything. Was planning on getting a new alternator tomorrow when I happened to mention it to the guy putting a new roof on my house. He said spray a garden hose in the slots of the alternator while it's running. I figured what the heck, couldn't hurt, I was planning on getting a new one anyway. Well it worked! It's now putting out 14.4 volts, all is good. I love the easy fixes.

 

I’d burn my truck to the ground if I did that but rock on!

 

Hmmm.

 

glad it worked for you. me...? my truck probably would have exploded.

 

If getting water in your alternator will make your truk explode you better be careful driving through puddles.

 

yeah... I was being facetious.

 

I may have to try this. My battery light came on while drying. Tganks

 

Then OP you were pretty sure the alternator was no longer going to work any way.

I can think of a better way to clean the alternator .

Just goes to show fresh water is not that good of a conductor

Might be a good way to oil the sealed bearings dump a quart of oil on the turning alternator??

 

My truck would never run again if I attempted that, I sure as Hell wouldn’t tell anyone about it... ehhhh

 

I deduce that the water cleaned off any carbon deposit on the alternator contacts

 

Alternator light came on on my '96 the other day... alternator quit charging.. did the garden hose job... alternator is charging again. I order new brushes anyway but sure fun to see this working (for now).

 

Not sure I'd call that a fix, maybe a band-aid

 

All that does is reset the brushes, hitting it would have had the same effect.

You are in redneck bonus time, you're supposed to use it to get home.

 

OP said he tried new brushes and it still didn't charge.

Genuinely curious what else in there would react with water and start working again, even if temporarily..

 

But did it stop whining and groaning?..

 

Hell ya, I stopped whining and groaning right after the alternator resumed its duty..

 

Tonight I’ll put it all on the fighting spurs of gallo del cielo, then I’ll return to buy the land that pancho villa stole from father long ago.!