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Just changed out my alternator with one purchased from DB. After install, noticed that existing harness plug configuration was different than the new 3 pin connection point on alternator. Need to cut off connector in bottom photo and replace with one that matches pins on alternator. Existing cord only has three wires. New pins on alternator also total 3. Does anyone know if the end on the cord that I need to replace is a standard Autozone item? More important, how will I know which color wire will connect to which pin? Have checked all over site and internet and have gotten nowhere. Please advise. New alternator male Existing wiring harness connector
You bought the wrong alternator. The correct replacement would have an identical connection as the old one. Would suggest you repair the harness and swap out with the correct alternator.
Was the existing connector modified or changed? Richard confirmed the replacement is the correct configuration.
To confirm your car is a 2002 ES300, I believe the plug you're holding looks like it's from an ES330
Last edited by HomerJay; 12-15-19 at 06:18 AM.
Reason: more info
OPer? Not familiar with what/who that is. The vehicle is definitely an ES300. Registration indicates a 2002. Vin tag on door says 2001. Interesting thing I noticed is that in Google images, I saw both pin configurations. Prior alternator and plug were original as far I know. I got the car 150k miles back 12 years ago from my father in law.
OPer? Not familiar with what/who that is. The vehicle is definitely an ES300. Registration indicates a 2002. Vin tag on door says 2001. Interesting thing I noticed is that in Google images, I saw both pin configurations. Prior alternator and plug were original as far I know. I got the car 150k miles back 12 years ago from my father in law.
OP means Original Person, the person who started the thread. That would be you.
No doubt you have a 300, but it appears the alternator you have is for a 94 - 95 - 96 300. I went back to DB and the connector you have in hand is for an alternator from 1997 through at least 2003. IOW, they sent you the wrong part.
Here’s a link to the ‘94 - ‘96 alternator and the last of that connector type.
According to your VIN it looks like you really own a 2001Lexus ES 300 and this is the alternator you should have if you use DB parts to finish your job.
Not to add to the confusion, but from what I see a rectangle type connection was in use through 2003. A square configuration (OP harness) was 2004- 2006.
Both Plug Code 312 and Plug Code 917 have three wires that match. They are S for Sense (+), IG for Ignition (+) and L for Lamp. The FR pin is for Computer (Field Monitor) and apparently was for ‘04 and above for ECU purposes. Leave it hanging. So, by one at a time cutting and connecting the appropriate pin wires, the OPer can proceed with the splice. Any objections?
Which all makes me wonder, “Why didn’t Lexus include a simple System Charging gauge in the dash?” Instead we get generalized CELS and strange codes when it’s just a charging system going south that would have been noticed before the OBDII computer gibberish generators even knew of it. Give us codes, but I miss my System Charging gauge.
I’d still like to know how the square connector got on a 2001 Lexus ES300.
12-14-19, 02:46 PM
2002 ES300 alternator change and harness swap
