Battery light staying on

Hello, i have a 1999 4runner and recently my battery light was on and off. Now, it’s on all the time and i tested alternator, battery read 12.2 and while running read 11.9. Anyone have any advice on further diagnosing or if the alternator is the problem?

 

Remove the alternator and examine the brushes. $20 fix and probably your problem.

 

Alternator should be putting out 13+ volts. 14.4 volts would be ideal. Your alternator is almost dead.

 

…due to worn brushes. Replace them.

 

Haven’t had time to do this, however light wa sin and off today, noticed ac and wipers slowing then it was dead when i went to start it again. However, a few hours later started up perfectly, still displaying battery light. Would it still be the alternator then? or maybe a cable.

 

Yes, those symptoms are typical. Are you able to pull the alternator? It’s the only way to get a look at the brushes. If it’s your only vehicle, then I’d recommend buying a $20 brush kit first. That will save you the trouble of pulling the alternator twice. If your brushes have 200k miles or more, they’re finished anyway.

 

The alternator is a denso. I’d stick with that.

 

https://parts.olathetoyota.com/oem-...ubmVyJnk9MTk5OSZ0PWJhc2UmZT0yLTdsLWw0LWdhcw==

This link is to Olathe Toyota, as an example. Their price on the brush holder is $7.60. So you can even go with OEM for cheap, it seems. If it turns out they don't sell it, Amazon is a good place for this. I wouldn't normally buy Toyota parts from Amazon, but this is a very generic item and fits probably a couple dozen Toyota models.

 

Agreed, if the whole thing needs replacing.

 

Yeah, just replace the brushes first. These alternators almost never go bad. The Voltage regulator on them might go at some point and I think you can replace that too. If you don't want to go that far, then only get TOYOTA or DENSO like was said.