I have got a problem that is puzzling me. When I start the car, I get a the coolant, batter, light replacement indicator, oil pressure, and parking brake lights. Now, I know that a few of the lights, lie the coolant and parking break are false positives, as I can confirm them visually, but the battery isn't charging.

The odd thing about this is that I don't have the power steering leak. I tried wiggling the plugs on the alternator around but that is a temporary fix. Is this just a matter of the plug, or is it wiring or the alternator itself?

 

I've heard of baaaaad juju in buying aftermarket alternators--buy OEM Toyota.

 

rebuilt alternators are most of the time as good as buying new.

and thermactor, you dont normally have to take the alternator out to get the testing done.

 

Rebuilders: break alternators apart, rewind the wire loom inside, replace a few electrical contacts, and maybe a few bearings. No different from OEM Toyota. In fact, Toyota has been offering rebuilt parts for a while, referring to them as "XX-generation part", 1st, 2nd, etc. Or, so I've seen here in So. Cal.

As for the charging system (alternator or dyno), you can get places like Autozone or Walmart to test your system for free. If your alternator or battery is bad, they'll let you know. I went to Kragen, and they honestly told me that nothing was wrong with my battery

-A

 

I understand that in many cases a rebuilt alternator is fine. I've specifically heard of several LS400 owners buying rebuilt and then regretting it. FWIW.

And yes--many parts shops and tire shops can test your battery and alternator while its still in the car--they bring a portable testing device out to the car and give you a diagnosis within seconds.