i got a 1988 toyota camry and have had it for a few months. it has 179k miles on it, body in great condition and ran very well. i put 2 15" kickers and a 1200watt amp in the truck, i had it goin for a bout 3 weeks and then the charge battery light came on and all of the lights were getting dimmer and dimmer and then later on that day the car just died, i jumped it twice and it started then died and now nothing works no power. i put a new battery but same story. i dont know what the problem may be, i dont know if it is the starter or the altenator that i broke. Any suggestions on what i need to fix my car.



Thankyou
-Mark

The same thing happened to me. I had a new alternator put in and the problem was solved. Good Luck!

Your alternator needs to be replaced. A quick check, is to get the car running, and while the engine is running, disconnect your negative battery cable. If the car stalls, it is your alternator.

Your alternator needs to be replaced. A quick check, is to get the car running, and while the engine is running, disconnect your negative battery cable. If the car stalls, it is your alternator.


mystic67 is probably correct. It probably is the alternator. I would, however, not recommend his suggestion of getting the car running and then disconnecting the negative battery cable. This was an OK test about 30 years ago (I did it myself a few times) before all the sophisticated electronic components were installed in today's cars. The upward or downward voltage spikes created by this method can ruin some of these expensive electronic components. A better check is to get a DVM and check the battery voltage with the car off. Then get the car running and check the voltage again. This time you will probably find it the same as battery voltage or a bit lower. The alternator should actually be putting out about 14 to 14.5 volts with the car running. Battery voltage only at this point will confirm it is the alternator.

Mike

thanks for all of the help, i am getting a new altenator tomorrow and will see if it solves my problems.

Thanks again

Mark.

If you have time, you can just replace the carbon brushes in the alternator instead of replaceing the whole thing. The brushes probably cost less than $5/pair. Search the forum, there are pretty good steps and photos on how to do it.

where can i buy carbon brushes and how many do i need. i havent had the time to go and get a new altenator.

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