lexus4us

Will take a closer look since I didn't install the new battery.

mrpowerzz

HEY !!! I think you're right !! I am having this issue and i think it's my alternator cause it's also killing my batteries. and I get the sulphur scent if i'm going up steep hill, My VSC flashes and beeps according to the curve and speed. it's crazy. My question is, can this be solved by just changing the voltage regulator? instead of changing the whole alternator ?

salimshah

Your charging system needs to be working right. In my case I changes the diodes, the regulator and brushes.

Salim

mrpowerzz

Hey, How am I gonna get the diodes? like can these be ordered separately?

salimshah

That stuff is best left for auto-electrician ... the diodes are soldered on to the plates (heat sink as well as connectors). Your best bet would be to buy the bridge. The regulator is like a 4 legged (?) spider.

Salim

mrpowerzz

Thanks again so much. I just placed the order. I will keep you informed. Might take a little while though. Wow. I really think this will solve everything. Thanks again for sharing that info. I feel like i should be a mechanic now, I have learned so much.

Here's the update ! I did it! and so far everything seems to be working fine. this is day 1. I feel confident that my issue is solved. I will give it a more serious test in due time.

mrpowerzz

Hey there, I'm back again. I think that my problem is not completely solved. I may need to continue digging. I May need to do a wheel alignment and maybe new tyres as well.
I recently changed from AIR shocks to the air suspension conversion kits which are struts and spring. I am of the idea that this change may also be a factor. and I may have to source new ones from a better company, but they cost like double the figure of these.
ALSO, i am wondering if i need to buy a new battery as this one may have been affected by the alternator before. I also drove to an area where i would always get the sulphur scent to see if i do get it, it's not as bad and doesnt linger(or i was being paranoid cause before it would be real strong), also didnt see no sign of the battery boiling or any spill of acid. I am thinking that the change of diode rectifier and voltage regulator did the trick but that the battery may already be affected and it will eventually go bad but not so soon. so i may have to buy a new battery too.
I noticed everyone talking about relay going bad. i may have to look into that as well. I found no relay in the relay boxes.

mrpowerzz

I did all of the above except the brushes which did not arrive in time. but i don't think it would matter.

mrpowerzz

Hey!! I'm back ! So I just wanted to update you guys. I think the alternator repair I did may have helped with my battery and the overcharging but the ABS was still messing up.
I removed one of the ABS fuse so that it would stop engaging the brakes in certain areas.
My most recent repair seems to have solved the issue. I did a test , it actually behaved, then I drove like a maniac the next day and it finally beeped once but that was acceptable since i think it is supposed to beep when you drive like that on uneven road.
The Steering Rack bushings were gone. I had them changed. and now the driving feels a bit more sturdy and i haven't noticed the crazy ABS beep like before.
I will continue to monitor, I have placed back the fuse, so no more lights on my dashboard. I wanted to share in case someone else may have this exact issue.
Also I think you can only purchase aftermarket steering rack bushings (in case you were to search for OEM)

lexus4us