BATTERY LAMP ON

[FOX]

The other day I was driving back home and the Batt & Oil level lamps went on at the same time. When I got home I checked the oil level and it was OK, so I guess it is a harness problem that the two lamps turned on at the same time. However, they have continued to be on. I'm thinking the alternator might have gone bad, so I started shopping for a replacement and discovered that both Partznet and 1st. Toyota Parts have 70, 80 and 100 amps alternators for the 91 MR2 at the same price, so I am wondering if I should go for the highest amp alternator to get an extra kicking power or the 91 Turbo requires a specific amperage model. Please help.

Another funny thing is that the inner guts of the alternator such as the stator and the rotor are more expensive than the whole alternator itself. I'm also wondering if the MkIII alternator would be the same than the MkII, because I could probably get the MkIII alt. here at the Toyota dealer in Merida and save the trouble of ordering it in the States and bringing it back to Merida.

[m_b]

This happened to me last summer, had my alternator rebuilt for under $100. No problems ever since.

[Goopi]

Before buying a new alternator, I would try getting it tested first.

The larger alternators are for the MR2s with power steering.

[adam]

Sounds like an alternator problem. If there are change up parts the local dealer will be able to tell you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FOX]

I was tinkering with the car today, as I spent last week on a trip, the battery went dead, so I was trying to put it to charge with my Craftsman electronic charger, and I just couldn't get it to charge, so I am now thinking that it might be the battery the one that is not right. I will try to go to my electrician to have it checked in order to determine if it is the battery or the alternator. I hope is the battery as it is easier to replace it than the alternator.l

[Goopi]

Good luck, a weak battery kills an alternator and a weak alternator may kill a battery as well.

[sprinterkb]

Toyota Denso alternators are very robust.no need to rebuild, as bearings last forever, etc
Most common issue is just worn brushes.
This will cause the warning lights you mentioned to come on

I always replace the brush holder when we have an engine out
Cheap insurance 25 to 35 $ for brushes.
You probably just need the brushes.and a polishing of the slip rings.
Worst part is getting it out of the car!

Carlos does your car have power steering? Then you have the big alternator.

[FOX]

Thanks Kevin! After several atempts to recharge the battery, for some reason I just do not understand, it just won't charge. So I am assuming something terribly wrong must have happenned to my Optima battery after only a couple of years, so I'm thinking about going to Toyota and buying an OEM battery for half the price of an Optima. That way I should be able to start the car and see if the lamp goes off. If not, I'll atend what you say about the brushes. And yes, my car has the EHPS which I believe it stands for Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (or something like it) so if I ever have to replace the alternator I will go for the 100 amp one (btw I have checked both the owners manual as well as the BGB with no avail on this regard.)

[camshaft]

Grabbing any battery that will fit would be a great place to start. Get the car running

Disconnect both battery cables and connect charger and verify that it is charging with volt meter.

Depending in amp output of charger a 500-600cca battery can take a long time to charge.

If the battery is sulfated it will not accept a charge.


Depending on how long the battery was left in a discharged state can cause sulfation.

Causes of battery sulfation:
Batteries sit too long between charges. As little as 24 hours in hot weather and several days in cooler weather.
Battery is stored without some type of energy input.
Undercharging of a battery to only 90% of capacity will allow sulfation of the battery using the 10% of battery chemistry not reactivated by not completing the charging cycle.
Low electrolyte level - battery plates exposed to air will immediately sulfate.
Incorrect charging levels and settings. Rolls recommends a 3-phase charge cycle (Bulk, Absorption & Float). See State of Charge & charging information.
The longer a battery sits and is not re-charged the more damaging sulfation build up there may be on the plates.

[FOX]

Hi Cam! Thanks for your reply. You are so right, I tried to jump start my MR2 with the MB and it would start, but when I disconnected the jumper cables, the car MR2 would just stop. Soooo, I headed to the nearest Toyota dealer, bought a new battery (they sold me the MR2 MkIII battery which is smaller in size, but that is another story), charged it overnight and voilá! The 2 started fine, however it still has the lamp on, so next step will be to replace the brush. For that, I have to see if I can find it here in Merida. I tried at the dealer but they checked their computer and said the part is at the California warehouse and they cannot order from there, (at least I got the part number from them, 27270-75060, something you can no longer do in the internet) so I have to see if any other parts store does stock it by any chance, otherwise, I´ll have to order it in the States and pick it up at the dealer during my next trip, which can be in over a month.

[immorality]

Let my internet search skills provide you with part numbers and outdated pricing information!

27370 HOLDER ASSY, ALTERNATOR BRUSH
27370-16011 (01/1990 - 04/1991) 1 $46.26
27370-54450 (05/1991 - 05/1995) 1 $25.82
27370-75060 W(POWER STEERING) 1 $24.67

27371 BRUSH, ALTERNATOR
27371-63020 (01/1990 - 04/1991) 2 $4.70
27371-70300 (05/1991 - 05/1995) 2 $4.67

27372 SPRING, ALTERNATOR BRUSH
27372-63020 (11/1990 - 05/1995) 2 $0.83
27372-72100 (01/1990 - 10/1990) 2 $0.95



Current pricing from Lithia:
27370-75060 W(POWER STEERING) 1 $15.59
27371-70300 (05/1991 - 05/1995) 2 $3.46
27372-63020(old)(11/1990 - 05/1995) 2 $0.99 <- New Superceded part number is 27372-87501

[FOX]

Wow! That is overwhelming! I am now wondering if I got the number right. The number I got says that the part number includes the holder and it is for the 3SGTE which is the Turbo version with the Power Steering for the USDM.

[sprinterkb]

Just get the brush holder assy $15.59 ! Cheap fix
Biggest issue will be getting the Alternator out of the car, not an easy job
Carlos, can you not get them shipped to mexico?

[FOX]

Thanks Kevin, today I finally took the 2 to the best Electric Shop I know here in Merida and took the brush I purchased at a local parts store (not an OEM, but a NipponDenso part) and the mechanic said that due to the little use I have on the car he just didn't think it would be the brush (anyway, the car has over 150M kms and God only knows if the alt brush has ever been replaced). He thought it would be something more like the rectfier condenser or the voltage regulator. He called me a while ago and said he was gonna have to remove the alternator from the car (not an easy task he said as you had previously pointed out) and get back to me.

[sprinterkb]

Toyota Denso alternators are very robust.no need to rebuild, as bearings last forever, etc
Most common issue is just worn brushes.
This will cause the warning lights you mentioned to come on

I always replace the brush holder when we have an engine out
Cheap insurance 25 to 35 $ for brushes.
You probably just need the brushes.and a polishing of the slip rings.
Worst part is getting it out of the car!

Carlos does your car have power steering? Then you have the big alternator.

Dont believe him Carlos, he can check the diode bridge if he wants, but I doubt there is an issue I have never seen bad ones, replace the brushes and you should be good to go.
Kevin