tail lamp failure warning and battery warning light, meaning?

tim_kido

New Member
Aug 29, 2007
12
0
0
Seattle
Hi all,

I recently got a 1986 1/2 Mark III Supra, had the engine replaced with a lower milage 7MGE engine. Everything seemed fine until one day when I was driving it, all of a sudden, the hand break light, tail light failure lamp and the battery warning light all came on at the same time.

I didn't pay much attention to it at the time because I was driving to work, but on my way home, when I was almost home, I noticed the headlight output, the dash lights went significantly dim and I notice the engine sounded a bit odd, like it was choking and about to die on me. I was able to made it home but next morning I coudln't start the engine because the battery's dead.

Has this happen to anyone and what did you find to be the cause?

I appreciate any help or tip you have on this matter because it's really driving me nuts, I really love my Supra and want to take it out for a drive everyday but now it's just sitting there. :(




Tim
 

tim_kido

New Member
Aug 29, 2007
12
0
0
Seattle
tlo86;996723 said:
get batt load tested and test alternator to start with

I just had my battery tested today and it's not holding a charge so I purchased a new one. I also bought one of those handy battery+alternator test gauges that you hook up to the battery to test the 2 systems.

With the new battery, the battery test went smoothly, but when I started up the car and checked, there's absolutely nothing indicated on the alternator test.

At this point, I'm thinking it's probabdly my alternator going bad, but is it really that simple? For those who have expereinced with these 3 lights coming on at the same time, is it really as simple as changing out your alternator?

Speaking of alternators, anyone got recommendations on good replacement parts for alternators? I'm thinking about going onto eBay and spending about $80 for one of those remanufactered ones. Is that a good idea?



Tim
 

OneJArpus

Supramania Contributor
Jul 1, 2005
2,798
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Newark, New Jersey, United States
my friend or I might have a used one laying around with 72xxx miles on it if you want it. I could have it tested for you and if its all good 35 + shipping sound good? PM me if u want it. I will see if i have one if not i know my friend has one.
 

Poodles

I play with fire
Jul 22, 2006
16,757
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Fort Worth, TX
without even having to read the thread, it's the alternator (or wiring to it)

been there, done that, swapped it and it's been golden since...