Seeking Advice on Alternator or Repair

[06YarisRS]

Hi.

I have the flickering battery light. My alternator puts out 13.9 - 14 V at idle and no charging problems but the daytime running lights are off. Member WeeYari confirmed that the DRLs can be off with a faulty voltage regulator. I read about the TSB to remove and clean the voltage regulator. Mine was very dirty and a lot of corrosion was present. After removing the regulator from the alternator and a thorough cleaning, I reinstalled and still have the battery light lit and no DRLs. I also cleaned the connector and it had quite a bit of corrosion on it too. The problem here is that if it is wiring/connector, I'm not sure how to test that.

I expect that this alternator is the original. I can pick up a voltage regulator for around $35.00 USD on eBay (knock off, not Toyota - or one of its OEM suppliers - for sure).

Would you recommend replacing the voltage regulator or just replacing with a reman alternator? I haven't priced locally, but CarQuest usually has good pricing and lifetime replacement warranty.

https://i.imgur.com/5GzrG2q.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ABcyVAE.jpg

[Bluevitz-rs]

You'd have to check the condition of the commutator and brushes. If they're in good shape, I'd just change the regulator.

[06YarisRS]

You'd have to check the condition of the commutator and brushes. If they're in good shape, I'd just change the regulator.

Thanks BlueVitz. I ended picking up a reman locally. With our school discount it was around $200.00 CAD. I didn't want to order a regulator on eBay and wait. This is probably more expensive in the long run but I'm not the most patient sort. :laugh:

[06YarisRS]

Installed a reman alternator. Job was much easier and quick tonight as I'd loosened and lubed everything last night. So happy not to have the battery light on.

https://i.imgur.com/sfLdYtj.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NCN7Tcy.jpg

[Bluevitz-rs]

:w00t:

[WeeYari]

So happy not to have the battery light on.

...and the DRLs are working again as well right?


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[06YarisRS]

:w00t:

Haha! Thanks!

[06YarisRS]

...and the DRLs are working again as well right?


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They are indeed, WeeYari!

I've gotta say, I think I'm really going to enjoy working on this little buggy. It is so easy, especially when compared to some of the other vehicles I've owned.

Tomorrow's project is painting the liftgate and bumper. I've decided to do it myself. I save between $300.00 and $400.00 doing so. I put the savings toward complete new brakes in the back. ordered drums, shoes, hardware kit, auto adjuster and wheel cylinders - all under $100.00 CAD. Gotta love Rock Auto.

[Brumman]

I have exactly the same problem!
I cleaned regulator as described although very little obvious corrosion. But still battery light is on and no daytime running lights, both should receive signals from the regulator. Should I check voltages on the 4 wires from regulator (engine on/off?) or change the regulator or alternator?

However I think following 06YarisRS experience a reman alternator is the answer, around C$130. Where on eBay can you get a regulator for $35!!?

I suspected that the DRLs not functioning was also regulator caused so it's great to find that it is probably true. 2 of the 4 wires in the regulator output plug are for the battery light and the DRL. The voltage regulation is perfect across all loads, so does that mean the other 2 wires (to and from the computer are somehow working? Strange eh?