URGENT Advice Needed! Relating to Power Steering, Alternator and Electrical. - Toyota Yaris Forums

The Marshall · 10-15-2010, 03:16 AM

Good morning everyone,

I have had a very strange problem today and urgently need advice on what I need to do about it. I commute to work every day by highway and have to drive my mom to the airport, and need to know if my Yaris is safe, hence the urgency

First, a little bit of background. I have had alternator issues before and have had the alternator and the battery replaced almost exactly one year ago.

The weather was terrible today and when getting in my car I didn't realize how wet and cold the windows were and they were foggy, so like an idiot I put down and back up the power windows about 3 - 4 times before giving up and using my winter brush on them. When driving out of the parking lot I noticed my headlights were dimming a bit on and off, just like when I had a bad alternator. The electrical system light did not trigger so I thought maybe I just drained the system and it would recharge on my drive. I drove 12 km at highway speed and kept having the issues with the lights, it was so bad even the speedometer and tach backlight was dimming. I turned off the heat and defrost and popped off my stereo's faceplate... everything to help it charge up. I wasn't extremely worried because I drove this way for weeks when I had a bad alternator.

I stopped for a few minutes off the highway to pick up a friend, and didn't shut off the engine because I wasn't sure it would start if I did. When turning out of the driveway, I lost power steering halfway through my turn, then it came back seconds later. I was looking for somewhere to park obviously after that happened, and lost it again while turning into a gas station.

I then tried to get roadside assistance which I pay for with my insurance, with a HORRIBLE insurance company who were unable to help me out (long story). Because I get paid at 2:30 AM today I couldn't afford a tow truck and had to drive home (which I did at 30km going a long way so I could make only right turns).

Anyways, when I started up my car again to go home, it started fine and everything was good. My lights were solid and I had no steering issues whatsoever. When I got home I turned on all my lights, heating and put the radio back on and sat there for five minutes with no flickering or dimming whatsoever.

No trouble lights came on AT ALL this whole time.

What caused this? Has this happened to anyone before? Is my car safe to drive on the highway or with my mom tomorrow?

I'm about to go move my car for the street parking (gotta switch sides), and will update if anything unusual happens in the 10 seconds I drive it for. I may also go get some gas now just to be sure the issue doesn't come back.

The Marshall · 10-15-2010, 04:51 AM

Drove it about 3 KM to get to the gas station and pulling in I lost my power steering again. I filled it up and started the car and it still was flashing empty after putting 37 L in. It's at the dealer now.

Any ideas as to what it could be? I'd like to sound like I know what I'm talking about, this is the first time taking it anywhere in the city (just moved).

I guess at least I'll get an oil change (have needed one for awhile) and my tires checked out......... hopefully it will be something simple and cheap, but I highly doubt it.

So far I've had to put $700 into this 2007 Yaris (cam positioning sensor, alternator, brakes) over the last year and two months, before this even gets done. My 2000 Cavalier with 280K kms on it though ran fine for a whole year before some moron T boned it. Not too impressed...

CTScott · 10-15-2010, 07:34 AM

The power steering ECU gets an output signal from the alternator and will shut down if the alternator is not putting out enough. So, I would really suspect the alternator or possibly the battery.

bobselectric · 10-15-2010, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Marshall

Drove it about 3 KM to get to the gas station and pulling in I lost my power steering again. I filled it up and started the car and it still was flashing empty after putting 37 L in. It's at the dealer now.

Any ideas as to what it could be? I'd like to sound like I know what I'm talking about, this is the first time taking it anywhere in the city (just moved).

I guess at least I'll get an oil change (have needed one for awhile) and my tires checked out......... hopefully it will be something simple and cheap, but I highly doubt it.

So far I've had to put $700 into this 2007 Yaris (cam positioning sensor, alternator, brakes) over the last year and two months, before this even gets done. My 2000 Cavalier with 280K kms on it though ran fine for a whole year before some moron T boned it. Not too impressed...

I'm surprised that this wasn't covered under warranty-

The Marshall · 10-15-2010, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobselectric

I'm surprised that this wasn't covered under warranty-

I bought it from a lot that flips auction cars, and it had I think 88K kms on it then, so pretty much no warranty other than recourse. The alternator I bought was a rebuild, and I think it had a one year warranty. The battery is from costco so should have a warranty and I actually have an extra one lying around that should be OK. I would have tried working on it to get it fixed myself but I work nights and have nowhere to park to look at it

SpaceShot · 10-15-2010, 01:44 PM

Could be the remfg alternator had a bad winding, but it might also be the brushes. When the next replacement goes in, you might have the mechanic take extra care to verify the pulley is properly aligned.
If the belt is too tight or the pulley seriously misaligned, you could be putting extra stress on the bearings or brushes which would result wearing out the alternator prematurely. (or you're just extra un-lucky)

The Marshall · 10-15-2010, 04:42 PM

EDIT: Thanks SpaceShot, that actually sounds very much like it could be the issue. But then why did the electrical system failure light NOT come on? Any ideas?

I took it to Ken Shaw at St Clair and Runnymede and they took it for a drive and said there was nothing wrong with it. I asked them to go out again for longer, so they went to Finch and 400 and back with no issues. My girlfriend is going to pick it up and we'll see.

I may take it to Canadian Auto Electric where I got the alternator on my day off Wednesday, if it's not still in warranty, it's just barely barely out of it. I will also keep that spare battery in the hatch!

Also, they said the gas gauge read as full when they started it this afternoon. Now THAT'S what I am truly confused about!

typicaljawaiian808 · 10-16-2010, 05:30 AM

Call Rob @ DC Power Engineering about a high output alternator.....he'll set you up

The Marshall · 10-19-2010, 04:54 PM

It's been running fine ever since the dealer inspected the electrical and did an oil change. I'll wait and see if it does it next time it's raining before trying anything else.

yaris-me · 10-19-2010, 08:16 PM

Intermittent problems usually suggest a loose wire. Check the wiring and if a connection looks dirty or corroded, clean the connections.

OTA'sTOY · 10-19-2010, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaris-me

Intermittent problems usually suggest a loose wire. Check the wiring and if a connection looks dirty or corroded, clean the connections.

+1

yupper check ur ground wires

CarBob08 · 10-19-2010, 09:24 PM

Sounds like the oil change fixed your problem. :) Just kidding... does sound like bad alternator or wiring as others have said.

The Marshall · 10-20-2010, 10:23 PM

Well, I think I found the problem today when my car wouldn't start...

The Marshall · 10-20-2010, 10:26 PM

Looks like the battery exploded on my drive to the LCBO, could this have been the problem all along?

CTScott · 10-20-2010, 10:28 PM

Is the case ruptured or did it boil over?

The Marshall · 10-20-2010, 10:45 PM

it appears to have boiled over, as the corrosion is mostly at the connection points. I inspected it and did not notice a crack in the casing. I got a boost and drove home, I will be replacing the battery in the morning with my known good one. Is this indicative of a bigger problem?

CTScott · 10-20-2010, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Marshall

it appears to have boiled over, as the corrosion is mostly at the connection points. I inspected it and did not notice a crack in the casing. I got a boost and drove home, I will be replacing the battery in the morning with my known good one. Is this indicative of a bigger problem?

Boiling over is usually the result of overcharging, so check your voltage with the engine running (should be ~14.1 V).

Two things I don't think I'd buy at Costco are car batteries and underwear. Although, I see lots of positive reviews of the Kirkland batteries, which are made by Johnson Controls.

ezhacker1 · 10-20-2010, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTScott

Boiling over is usually the result of overcharging, so check your voltage with the engine running (should be ~14.1 V).

Two things I don't think I'd buy at Costco are car batteries and underwear. Although, I see lots of positive reviews of the Kirkland batteries, which are made by Johnson Controls.

Cuz of chances of a getting a returned one? Lol on the underwear.

10-15-2010, 03:16 AM	#1
The Marshall Drives: 2007 Yaris 5-Door, Black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Big Smoke Posts: 30	URGENT Advice Needed! Relating to Power Steering, Alternator and Electrical. Good morning everyone, I have had a very strange problem today and urgently need advice on what I need to do about it. I commute to work every day by highway and have to drive my mom to the airport, and need to know if my Yaris is safe, hence the urgency First, a little bit of background. I have had alternator issues before and have had the alternator and the battery replaced almost exactly one year ago. The weather was terrible today and when getting in my car I didn't realize how wet and cold the windows were and they were foggy, so like an idiot I put down and back up the power windows about 3 - 4 times before giving up and using my winter brush on them. When driving out of the parking lot I noticed my headlights were dimming a bit on and off, just like when I had a bad alternator. The electrical system light did not trigger so I thought maybe I just drained the system and it would recharge on my drive. I drove 12 km at highway speed and kept having the issues with the lights, it was so bad even the speedometer and tach backlight was dimming. I turned off the heat and defrost and popped off my stereo's faceplate... everything to help it charge up. I wasn't extremely worried because I drove this way for weeks when I had a bad alternator. I stopped for a few minutes off the highway to pick up a friend, and didn't shut off the engine because I wasn't sure it would start if I did. When turning out of the driveway, I lost power steering halfway through my turn, then it came back seconds later. I was looking for somewhere to park obviously after that happened, and lost it again while turning into a gas station. I then tried to get roadside assistance which I pay for with my insurance, with a HORRIBLE insurance company who were unable to help me out (long story). Because I get paid at 2:30 AM today I couldn't afford a tow truck and had to drive home (which I did at 30km going a long way so I could make only right turns). Anyways, when I started up my car again to go home, it started fine and everything was good. My lights were solid and I had no steering issues whatsoever. When I got home I turned on all my lights, heating and put the radio back on and sat there for five minutes with no flickering or dimming whatsoever. No trouble lights came on AT ALL this whole time. What caused this? Has this happened to anyone before? Is my car safe to drive on the highway or with my mom tomorrow? I'm about to go move my car for the street parking (gotta switch sides), and will update if anything unusual happens in the 10 seconds I drive it for. I may also go get some gas now just to be sure the issue doesn't come back.

10-16-2010, 05:30 AM	#8
typicaljawaiian808 Drives: '09 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Hawaii Posts: 64	Call Rob @ DC Power Engineering about a high output alternator.....he'll set you up __________________ Pioneer Ascendant Audio Sundown Audio DC Power Engineering Knukoncepts Fosgate Stinger

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10-15-2010, 04:51 AM	#2
The Marshall Drives: 2007 Yaris 5-Door, Black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Big Smoke Posts: 30	Drove it about 3 KM to get to the gas station and pulling in I lost my power steering again. I filled it up and started the car and it still was flashing empty after putting 37 L in. It's at the dealer now. Any ideas as to what it could be? I'd like to sound like I know what I'm talking about, this is the first time taking it anywhere in the city (just moved). I guess at least I'll get an oil change (have needed one for awhile) and my tires checked out......... hopefully it will be something simple and cheap, but I highly doubt it. So far I've had to put $700 into this 2007 Yaris (cam positioning sensor, alternator, brakes) over the last year and two months, before this even gets done. My 2000 Cavalier with 280K kms on it though ran fine for a whole year before some moron T boned it. Not too impressed...

10-15-2010, 07:34 AM	#3
CTScott ULTIMATE View User's Garage Drives: 09 5dr LB, 2x 08 3dr LB Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: USA, CT Posts: 13,460	The power steering ECU gets an output signal from the alternator and will shut down if the alternator is not putting out enough. So, I would really suspect the alternator or possibly the battery.

10-15-2010, 01:44 PM	#6
SpaceShot Drives: 2008 Yaris 5 speed HB Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NH Posts: 171	Could be the remfg alternator had a bad winding, but it might also be the brushes. When the next replacement goes in, you might have the mechanic take extra care to verify the pulley is properly aligned. If the belt is too tight or the pulley seriously misaligned, you could be putting extra stress on the bearings or brushes which would result wearing out the alternator prematurely. (or you're just extra un-lucky)

10-15-2010, 04:42 PM	#7
The Marshall Drives: 2007 Yaris 5-Door, Black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Big Smoke Posts: 30	EDIT: Thanks SpaceShot, that actually sounds very much like it could be the issue. But then why did the electrical system failure light NOT come on? Any ideas? I took it to Ken Shaw at St Clair and Runnymede and they took it for a drive and said there was nothing wrong with it. I asked them to go out again for longer, so they went to Finch and 400 and back with no issues. My girlfriend is going to pick it up and we'll see. I may take it to Canadian Auto Electric where I got the alternator on my day off Wednesday, if it's not still in warranty, it's just barely barely out of it. I will also keep that spare battery in the hatch! Also, they said the gas gauge read as full when they started it this afternoon. Now THAT'S what I am truly confused about!

10-19-2010, 04:54 PM	#9
The Marshall Drives: 2007 Yaris 5-Door, Black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Big Smoke Posts: 30	It's been running fine ever since the dealer inspected the electrical and did an oil change. I'll wait and see if it does it next time it's raining before trying anything else.

10-19-2010, 08:16 PM	#10
yaris-me Learn to Relax Drives: 2007, Meteorite, LB Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 2,070	Intermittent problems usually suggest a loose wire. Check the wiring and if a connection looks dirty or corroded, clean the connections.

10-19-2010, 09:24 PM	#12
CarBob08 Drives: '08 3-Door Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 35	Sounds like the oil change fixed your problem. :) Just kidding... does sound like bad alternator or wiring as others have said.

10-20-2010, 10:23 PM	#13
The Marshall Drives: 2007 Yaris 5-Door, Black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Big Smoke Posts: 30	Well, I think I found the problem today when my car wouldn't start...

10-20-2010, 10:26 PM	#14
The Marshall Drives: 2007 Yaris 5-Door, Black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Big Smoke Posts: 30	Looks like the battery exploded on my drive to the LCBO, could this have been the problem all along?

10-20-2010, 10:28 PM	#15
CTScott ULTIMATE View User's Garage Drives: 09 5dr LB, 2x 08 3dr LB Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: USA, CT Posts: 13,460	Is the case ruptured or did it boil over?

10-20-2010, 10:45 PM	#16
The Marshall Drives: 2007 Yaris 5-Door, Black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Big Smoke Posts: 30	it appears to have boiled over, as the corrosion is mostly at the connection points. I inspected it and did not notice a crack in the casing. I got a boost and drove home, I will be replacing the battery in the morning with my known good one. Is this indicative of a bigger problem?