Q: Alternator/Battery issues

asked by on February 17, 2017

I replaced my alternator with a rebuild one from advance Auto parts and while driving on the highway doing 70-75 mph the battery light came on and off and the performance drop like it wanted to stall but didn't. I change the battery and it came on again at the same speed but this time no decrease in performance. What can it be?

My car has 168783 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Alternator Replacement $166.62 - $1297.14 Get a Quote

Inasmuch as you installed a new battery, this is probably a charging system related issue, but the charging system includes not just the alternator but all interconnecting wiring. So, you do have to consider the possibility of high resistance connections, bad grounds and so forth. A quick diagnostic can be had by connecting a professional scan tool and measuring charging voltage (and retrieve any possible charging system trouble codes) during these episodes of the warning light coming on. If the charging output is out of spec., and the wiring tests good, that means the alternator is no good. I recommend that you buy a Toyota remanufactured alternator, Part Number 27060-0A050-84 for your car. Online from Toyota dealer part vendors, the Toyota alternator is around $309. If you do find the alternator is bad, I do NOT recommend you buy another "re-manufactured" one from a "parts" store, although brand new alternators are vended and if it is name brand, you could try that. Without a scan tool, you can check DC output at the battery (check for AC, too, as if AC is present, that itself is a sign of alternator failure) at engine idle and it should be roughly 14.2 volts measured on the battery terminals although the output voltage will be temperature dependent (exact values are in the Factory Service Manual). To have the alternator inspected and replaced, if need, please request an alternator inspection/replacement and the responding certified mechanic from YourMechanic will get this investigated and fully resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Smartkey not working like it should
A basic check of the key fob battery should be performed as issues can arise from a dying battery. If the key fob is malfunctioning it could be a connection issue. The smart key can be reset and re-calibrated to...
Fixing a fuel leak on an O8 Dodge Caravan
First thing you want to do is you want to drive it until the gas tank is almost empty because the gas tank weighs a lot less than it does full. When it's full, it's a royal job. But, when...
Car lunges first gear
It sounds like your 2002 Honda Passport may have a problem with your transmission still. The RPMs rising and the transmission then lunging into gear is referred to as slipping (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-slipping-transmission). This can be due to internal transmission damage or...
Brake fluid leaking
Hi there. There are two copper crush washers, one on each side of the banjo fitting (the "banjo" is the segment of the brake hose that the bolt is put through). The reason it is leaking is you appear to...
Does my catalytic converter have a sensor?
Hello, thanks for writing in. You do have a catalyst O2 sensor. The failure of the 15psi test is most likely the catalyst is clogged causing the excessive exhaust back pressure. The catalyst should be replaced if it exceeds the...
My front end shakes when I accelerate at low and high speeds 2003 Pontiac Grand Prixh
Hello - from your symptom description, you have a worn out or damaged Constant Velocity joints (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-damaged-cv-joint) on one or both front axles. These worn joints allows excess "wobble" of the axle, especially when under power, creating the vibration you...
My 2003 Ford Focus ran out of gas I filled it up and it won't start
If the starter motor itself is not functioning (i.e., no engine cranking), then the starter circuit has to be diagnosed. If the starter motor is functioning, but the car is not starting, you could have a circumstance where the fuel...
2002 Elantra: ratting, sudden loss of power and stalling! Pls help stuck on a mountain.
It sounds like you may have a cooling system leak that may have caused a hose to burst. The more concerning question is the brown colored coolant that came from the leaking hose. This often times indicates that there may...

Related articles

2012 Toyota Camry vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: Which One Should I Buy?
Mid-size sedans are the perfect family vehicle; offering just enough space for you and a few kids, but not so much that a small family will feel lost in them. This class of vehicles is slightly larger than a compact...
How to Quickly Stop a Runaway Toyota Prius
The The Toyota Prius (https://www.yourmhttps://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-drive-a-toyota-prius) is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of a gas-powered engine and an electric motor to propel the vehicle. It is perhaps the most well-known hybrid vehicle on the market and has a...
How to Replace the Headlights on a Toyota Prius
Your headlights are one of the most important safety components for your car. A broken headlight bulb can endanger yourself and others on the road.