1987 Tercel dies electrically....

My Parents have got a 1987 Toyota Tercel 4 dr hb. I was driving it yesterday when to begin with the CHARGE (battery) light came on and wouldnt go off even after restarting the car. Gradually as I continued driving the car began to chug along slightly (like it was not getting the sufficient power electrically). This eventually got worse and worse, to the point that the car wasnt able to replenish the power it needed and turning on the headlights made the car worse than when when they were not on, as time went on, the headlight beams faded more and more and so did the dash lights and so on. In the end the car just completely died.

What I am wondering is, is this the alternator thats died being unable to provide sufficient replenishing power the car needs to run or what has possibly failed in the electrical system to prove such a problem???

If anyone has any ideas as to what this may be or does know about this or has had this similar or same problem, Id love it if i could get some feedback as i am fairly stumped on this one.

- Jesse

well... i'd check the power terminal(s) located on top of the alternator... they have little nuts holding them on ... they could be loose... i experienced a similar problem /w my 1990 tercel... but that was after i did an engine swap... so i had everything apart. also check the fuse for the alternator located in the box hanging off of the positive terminal of the battery (if i can remember correctly)... its eiether a 60 or 80 amp fuse and they do blow. let me know if this helps

if nothing else it could be an alternator problem itself... i haven't had one, but my tercel is on its 5th starter since i've owned it and its been about 8 months. so if that tells you anything

hey

i had this same problem about 1998, i went to a battery warehouse, and let them do a free electrical diagnostic on it.... it was both the battery and the altenator.... so i made sure to buy a diehard..sears, with a lifetime warranty... and got the altenator replaced... ok so i did it meself.

the point is, go get your vehicle checked by someone that doesnt want to sell you something... someone ya trust.

and good luck my tercel is a 87 also.

So...... I shall put an end to this thread. the problem has been located.

We pulled out the alternator, opened her up and turns out the brushes on the inside (2) have totally worn beyond beleif..... to DUST! So replacing the alternator is the solution to this problem. The battery itself is fine, it was just an issue with the charging system.

Thanks for your replies! Your helps greatly appreciated..

- Jesse