88 Camry Electrical Problem

richj11 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2004, 02:30 PM

While driving the 88 Camry the "Charge" "Brake" & "Light" lights all came on. It was dark and I was on my way to work. A few miles later all my lights (headlights and lights above that came on) were dimmed such that they were barely visible.

The car continued to run fine.

Any electrical types that could suggest a cause?

Alternator? Generator?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Rich J

peid · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-2004, 03:20 PM

I would be lead to believe either a belt slipping on the alternator (need new belt) or the alternator itself is bad.

The lights etc can and usually do dim when one of these 2 items are the problem.

richj11 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2004, 07:04 PM

Thanks for the reply.

I was not very detailed in my initial posting.

I have had the problem intermittently, but the particular morning I mentioned was the first time I was driving it during dark hours.

I've checked all connections for something loose, but I'm figuring more than likely the alternator is going.

Would it just progressively get worse like this?

Rich J

Buzzard · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2004, 07:32 PM

Did you check the battery ground at the engine block? Also the engine to fire wall ground. Just a though. ---Buzz

mustang67408 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2004, 08:02 PM

PEID is right.

Sounds to me like the alt is on its way out.

richj11 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-06-2004, 09:23 AM

Thanks for all the posts and ideas.

I've never had an alternator go bad before. I wasn't sure if it would just go or if it could be progressive...

If the light comes on, I can rev the engine up and right around 4k rpm it goes out again. Sometimes it will stay off for a while and sometimes it just comes right back on. I have checked belt tension and condition and all electrical connections, including grounds, look good.

I just picked up this little Camry a month ago for a commuter car to keep the miles off the DC. It is in pretty good shape for 202k miles!

Any recommendations for a new alternator? Any reason to get one from Toyota, or will, say, a NAPA remanufactured get the job done?

Thanks again,

Rich J

mustang67408 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-06-2004, 09:39 AM

My vote is you get a remanufactured unit from TOYOTA. The first 1 went 202K, kinda speaks for itself. Toyota also has a patent on their alt wiring. There are a few (very few) aftermarkets alts that work properly. They are usually just as pricey as the Factory Alt. Why take a chance?
Just my .02, then again I am biased.

profuse007 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-16-2004, 11:48 PM

alternator goin bad or the wire at the alternator wire is loose.

richj11 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-17-2004, 10:50 AM

Thanks for all the input. I kind of figured from the start that it ws the alternator, but I did not expect it to fail intermittently. I expected it would just go bad in one fell swoop.

Anyway, I got the Toyota remanufactured unit. $200! Hopefully it will last as long as I have this car!

Thanks again,

Rich

profuse007 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-17-2004, 04:57 PM

check ebay!!!