Alternator Replacement & Upgrade and the "Big 3" Electrical Upgrade on a Gen 2 Tacoma!

[@michaelallen434]

Tbh, I don’t have alternator issues. I just like Faye

[@WylieWiggins]

Me too. I went with a 240 amp alternator because of a 60 amp DC/DC charger for the 300Ah Lifpo4 battery in the shell, and other loads. OFC 1/0 welding cable upgraded the distance and to an Anderson's plug under the front end for jump-starting others and a source for a lighter duty winch with plans for another Anderson's out back. Her little screwdriver acupuncture skills are so much better than mine!

[@Valverde713]

​@@WylieWiggins you could've gotten away with the factory alt just fine. I've an optima red top under my hood and a 200ah lithium bank running my 3 audio amps and I hold voltage on my stock Alt under heavy loads just fine

[@WylieWiggins]

@@Valverde713 I'm not going to put the electrical load of a winch on the starter battery alone without the alternator backing it up, this isn't a trailer! The BMS of the 300Ah Lifepo4 is only 200 amps, I'm not running any winch off that, it's isolated from anything to do with the receiver mounted winch. Even with the original tow package factory alternator my pickup had, a decent winch pulls more than I'd ever try to supply with it! You do you, and get a good fire extinguisher!

[@Valverde713]

@WylieWiggins oh ok well I suppose different usage I've never ran winch for anything, and my electrical systems just fine I run competition car audio and my setups been this way for going 2 years now without issue

[@Vitrbjorn]

My only gripe with Faye is that every time she shows off a new tool or project my Amazon wish list gets longer...

[@FayeHadley]

I feel you!! I get excited about tools too!😅 SO sorry about that!

[@ProudPapa-zd6gs]

Kudos to this talented mechanic. This is the only person taking the time to upgrade the fuse and not just the alternator. Bravo

[@soside619]

Faye is the happiest mechanic! Not one cuss word. As for me, well, it's been 33yrs as an A&P (aircraft) mechanic. Lots of cuss words...

[@Swish36]

I’ve done the big 3 upgrade on all my cars so I already so I know how this is going to go but I’m here watching this because of Faye

[@awesomearizona-dino]

hi Faye, i sold Toyota parts from 1982-1990. we frequently compared Toyota Re-man to new, in many cases the Re-man were actually all new, it was Toyotas way to sell more, This was long before China was involved. it was all Japanese. ALSO super long needle nose pliers- best tool investment.

[@Chippy569]

Hey Faye, cool tool trick for you: instead of stressing out with the exacto knife, try using a seam ripper to cut through harness tape. A really sharp one also cuts through the corrugation in OE looms. :) And don't even act like you don't own a seam ripper or two already.

[@tecateconquest]

This is a great video, I’ve done the big 3 on my 1999 Land Cruiser but watched this just because Faye is awesome. 😊 Some things to note that weren’t covered in the video. 1. If buying wire (especially from Amazon) make sure to get 99.9 % OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) cable. Do not buy CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) it’s cheaper for a reason, it’s aluminum (higher resistance than copper) with a copper coating. If you are going through the work to do this, get quality cable or you will regret it. 2. When talking “gauge” that is typically shorthand for AWG (American Wire Gauge). AWG is a set standard while “gauge” is not. Many shoddy wires are available selling in “gauge” so make sure it specifies AWG, otherwise you might be buying the “gauge” wire, but half of the copper is just replaced by insulation to make the wire as a whole look fatter or like the "gauge" it's supposed to be. 3. Faye does a wonderful job of removing and replacing the old cables, it is a much cleaner install, however you can just add the Big 3 cables over the old ones/in addition to them. The install looks less clean than Faye’s, but it will accomplish the exact same thing, which is decreasing resistance. When I did my install it was with 0/1 AWG welding cable, it worked great. I installed a separate fuse for the cable from my Alt to positive battery connection.

[@bobmiller7426]

Very in depth. Back in the’70s “ remanufactured” meant several trips back to Checkers Auto for another one that worked. Had to change an alternator 3 times once all in the same day. Nice to know remanufactured means better quality now.

[@MrDLRu]

Yup, I needed 2 (1995) and the first, unbeknownst to me, was overcharging the battery and toasted it. Had them replace that also. Would only get a Toyota reman alternator with all the garbage the local parts stores are putting out.

[@1970HondaCL100]

Did the big 3 upgrade on my 3rd Gen 4Runner. A couple years later the wiring had issues and it wouldn’t start so I went back to the factory setup and no issues for several years since. Also those Denso reman alternators are done in my town and I would (and do) trust them 💯.

[@FayeHadley]

Oh that is super cool!!! Thanks for the personal recommendation!! And what happened with your big three?!?! 😳😮

[@tommeyer6033]

Even if I never do this on my 3rd Gen 4runner, I was highly entertained. You do a great job making what could be dryly practical and instructional vids into fun instructional vids 🤩. You’re a great mechanic, too. Thanks for being alive!

[@FayeHadley]

Aw, thanks so much! 😄 What a nice thing to say! Thank you for watching, and for the kind words!

[@freddaniali]

Aisin and Denso is the way to go! Thanks Faye!!! Great video!

[@klwthe3rd]

Is Denso owned by Toyota like Aisin is??? Or is it a separate company?

[@freddaniali]

@@klwthe3rd Toyota is the parent company, yes.

[@klwthe3rd]

@@freddaniali Thank you.

[@stuartfact8361]

Great job with the filming, descriptions and tips! You make this look easy, the true mark of a skilled mechanic. Also, your finished product looks better than OEM, well done 🙂🙂

[@FayeHadley]

AWWWW 🥲 you're too kind!! I hope it's not too much harder than it looks! 😅 I do cut out a lot of my struggling and such just so I don't lose people's attention 😆😆😆

[@jodaddysdodgegarage3533]

I love this woman! She’s fabulous!

[@james1965]

I saw where we weren't supposed to listen to you, but I swear you know your stuff and I'm listening! Now I know of a future upgrade for my Tacoma! Thanks for the very well thought out video!

[@klwthe3rd]

With all those aftermarket add-ons i'm surprised you weren't having issues keep up with that alternator way before now. I love when people upgrade their cars with factory options to add value. I know on my old toyota you could just swap out the factory gage clusters to add the tachometer since it was all plug and play. I miss those days.

[@kennethstauffer1034]

Great video! Most people don't do all the upgrades .

[@smrtnz5995]

👍🏻 as always with tricks, tips and attention to DETAIL.

[@marcludwick512]

I had an occasion no crank everyonce in awhile on my older car. Found the ground wire to the block was pretty corroded inside, hard to see on the outside just looking at it. So upgraded to thicker size. Same for the alt power wire. Still gonna finish it up and upgrade the block chassis ground soon. Cranks and starts instantly now, great upgrade.

[@Ian-yu6hx]

Some days you just need a little Faye in your life. This is one of those days. Just bought a gen 2 and subscribed. Looking forward to watching more videos!

[@stco2426]

Faye really is really top banana. Also do check out Timmy the Toolman. I hope Faye doesn't mind.

[@trex8et198]

Faye, you are truly magical😊

[@FayeHadley]

Awww thank you 🥰

[@vicpetrishak7705]

On Class 8 trucks I use a 1” ratchet strap on the wrench to secure the belt tensioner . It makes it easier to manipulate the longer larger belts with two hands . Also I place thick cardboard between the radiator and fan before pulling the fan assembly out . Very informative information !

[@cowetaok]

Your mind is a beautiful thing. I;m sure it never turns off. The humor I find as I watch the totally fascinating detail makes me laugh to myself as I eat my lunch. Women Handle LOL> You more mechanic than 90 percent. Thanks for sharing the knowledge and the smiles.

[@FayeHadley]

Oh my gosh..... Thank you so much for this comment. I actually screenshoted this to save this for when I'm feeling down. I really appreciate the kind words 🙏🏻

[@motcongiobui1164]

I like your personality in your voice

[@BrianWaller-qe7gr]

Finally a topic I’m familiar with since I’m into car audio. I’m well familiar with the big three. When you’re running 12k watt amps you’ll need 2/0 wire. I upgraded from agm to lithium. It’s ridiculously fast charging.

[@stco2426]

Great work, Faye and fab wrap. The finished work look really great. I've so much refurb work to do on the big (and small) wiring on my Toyota 4WD project vehicle and your vid is inspirational. At the moment the leisure electrics are fed by a shoelace, such was the underestimation back in the 90s. Like that you mounted your crimper in a vice. I see people wrestling with these and flailing around trying to do critical work with two hands on the tool and nothing holding the work, which is bonkers. Really like the way you tackled the fuse area. I have two fuse units in the cab and the big ones near the double motor batteries, which are in the frame. Part of the project is to investigate all this wiring, but thankfully the Toyota electrical wiring diagrams are suberb. I've no supercharger, but access is no easier! Appreciate your work and sharing your knowledge and skills!

[@michaelskinner896]

Nice work Faye. It's a good thing you decided to do this as there seemed to be quite a few green crusties hanging out. Whenever, I add additional electrical items to my motorcycle or car, the end result has to be at least as good as it would've come from the factory or better. I look at it as kind of an art-form, haha. But your choice of protective looming and the way you've routed everything looks great. Thanks for showing.

[@planewalker1973]

Thanks for being so fully and incredibly awesome! I don’t have a Tacoma but still so much usable information for other upgrades

[@FayeHadley]

You're so welcome, and I'm glad you found it helpful!😀😀😀

[@stco2426]

Much is generic across the big T range.

[@jhuntosgarage]

Nice one, Faye. Informative and entertaining. If you wouldn't have mentioned it I never would've known you started using your phone. Nice work and thanks for sharing!

[@FayeHadley]

Aww thank you!! Hope you guys are okay over there in Florida!!

[@MrCalifornia1234]

Nice! Learned the tow package actually gives you a better alternator. My 2000 tundra original alternator is still going strong.

[@FayeHadley]

Heck yeah!! Honestly this one probably could have lasted for many many more years!!😅 I just kind of get obsessive at times!!!!!😆

[@VincentDepaulo-j9c]

Love this woman makes all look easy 😍 😊

[@FayeHadley]

Awww thank you, I really appreciate that! 😄

[@jjlanotte]

Voltage booster Pro makes a good product to up the voltage delivery for AGM's. I've been running one and get 14.3 to 14.6v. I also run a Mechman 280A alt to charge a Bluetti at 840w while driving. Did the big 5 or 7 wire upgrade, or something like that. It all works great! Good upgrade.

[@DavidLeane-cp2lz]

Great camera work and editing.

[@TD_YT066]

Around electrical stuff, DeOxIt D-5 is my go-to instead of WD-40, it keeps contacts clean longer and it does lubricate electrical contacts.

[@danielgeng2306]

Nice work Faye !

[@texasmcgyver]

Great video ! Wow that is alot to get the alternator off they dont make it easy the newer the vehicles get! Good job detailed!

[@hickorystx]

Simply amazing to watch. Awesome video😉. Truly a gifted mechanic!!

[@risinbison1106]

I Always put my battery on a trickle charger when working on my project. It never fails, I get in there and find more issues than I planned and my battery sits for a week.

[@FayeHadley]

Exactly!!!😁 I also did that - ended up doing more than I planned, and I had a trip in the middle of this job - I dropped it all to fly to Chicago!!😆

[@PirateMTH_ToddH]

Thanks Faye. Another useful and informative video.

[@FayeHadley]

You're welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful! ☺️

[@rickchowsr2532]

Excellent vid Faye

[@ivaylonikolov7026]

Beautiful Faye ❤

[@351cleavland]

The fuseblock to alternator can be done differently. On my Ranger I kept my original 8 gauge alt wire to fuseblock AND then made a 4 gauge piggyback wire and zip-tied them together. Works well and saved me from having to undo all the looms to rip the factory wire out. Unless your original wire has a lot of corrosion I would keep it in place.

[@FayeHadley]

I am aware that some people choose that method, but I recommend you watch the whole video. I do show the corrosion on the wires I replaced!

[@JasPlun]

Love those old Toyota Trucks. I sure hope they can work out the problems with the latest version soon because I am going to need a truck soon and been considering a different brand because of the problems. I may try and find a low mile certified 2022 Tacoma. Been looking at a few Avalons as well. Me and my wife want to find one while you can still find them in like new condition. Avalon is the best sedan ever made IMO:P Faye keep working hard you are making great content you deserve way more subs so you other fans remember to hit that like button so her videos get promoted!

[@agoodneighborautorepair2176]

Very nice information and explanation

[@harishdevi4344]

Thanks, Faye. Your videos are always so helpful!

[@Zatoichinisanyon]

Nice work and awesome video.

[@CO84trucker]

I recently replaced the belt tensioner on my 09🌮 which is nearing 200k and had to remove alternator & loosen AC compressor to access tensioner!

[@PoorManMods]

Moar powaaaaa 🤟⚡😁

[@philberry-x3z]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS

[@SuperTundra08]

Interested to see what you are going to use for a voltage booster😀 and AGM battery. seems to be a lot of mixed opinions on Toyotas charging voltage and the use of AGM batteries.

[@bender49ers]

Faye! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Traveling_with_FIVE_Cats]

Now i know you did this video for me

[@tomknud]

Nice video! I have a nice GTE short block, head, and 90 GTE shell I'm willing to part with.

[@MrKeithmckenzie]

Great Thank You Faye 👍👍❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤

[@nicholashooten8399]

On my 91 Toyota pickup 4x4 22re just had to replace the alternator but not for no charge it was overcharging 18.4 at idle.

[@FunWithCars716]

Happy Friday Faye 👋

[@FayeHadley]

Happy Friday to you too! 😄

[@TomGriffith-l8f]

Faye nice video!

[@MisterMsk]

I thought my Ford Escape was tough to work on. Wow!

[@adamgilesconcoursdelegance9302]

If only everyone was like you Faye!! Perfect attention to detail 👌💪

[@libertyjusticeforall6754]

Another awesome video, what model Fluke Multimeter was that ? Thank you.

[@FayeHadley]

It's the 88! Does more than enough for what I need daily!

[@libertyjusticeforall6754]

@@FayeHadley Aloha from Hawaii 🌺 and thank you ❤️

[@mccbuddytaras6637]

car audio 'big 3' is a lot less complicated. same wires, just not replacing the stock. we add 1/0 to all the connections in addition to the stock wires. we're also super picky about heat shrink on every connection, and that bare cable clamped in the battery terminal would never fly LOL. cool to know there's a factory upgrade though. 100 amps is like nothing when you've got the car running and accessories going. that extra 30 will help. i'm getting a 320 amp myself :P

[@josephsalzig972]

faye do you ever use di-electric grease on wire connections or on battery terminals i have been working on fords for 35 years and have always used it and have never had any vehicles come back with corrosion issues and you do excellent work

[@benburns-c5w]

🎉🎉❤❤ u so much ur videos 📸❤❤❤❤

[@mrpantieraider1]

awesome vid always enjoy watching your videos Faye! . i like these especially a good explanation on how the fuse relay box can be taken apart!i been working on a project and it's at a vault now i can't figure out what terminal sizes and part number are for the big and small relays and the fuse terminal that goes into the the bottom of the fuse relay box? i hope you can help me as well 🙏

[@joedoub]

Hello Faye you doing a great job I learned a lot thank you but the razor blade there's a tick tock going around showing a seam ripper that's using clothes for electrical tape on cars it's a cool trick for that Loom I tried it out on my on my Ford on my car and it works pretty good so if you have time give it a look I see what you think about that.

[@FayeHadley]

Oh my gosh yes!!!! I'm not much of a seamstress myself but I do so all of my own patches onto my work shirts, so I have a seam ripper!!! I will say that I have tried it and it works beautifully but I need a much larger seam ripper than the one that I normally use for my work shirts, I just haven't upgraded yet 😆 So funny I wonder if we watched the same TikTok!!!

[@Blazer02LS]

@@FayeHadley I made a ripper just for harness work. Took one of my old gasket scrapers and reshaped it and put a larger birds beak on it with a sharp edge. Works great. Still have a smaller industrial ripper as well.

[@davidshore8936]

So what do you put on electrical connectors? WD 40, bulb grease?. I just had new brushes put in my original Toyota alternator and installed today. I thankful i have a local rebuilding shop in Green Bay.

[@RangePisteMies]

Good job and very good video, but my attention get that oil filter housin leak protection! There must be pipe/hose that goes close to drain plug? Perferct desing for maintenance! Seen similar at Hiace😍

[@laptech3767]

thats cool!, so if my car comes with 100a, and has a 150a "premium" model, i can just swap it in?

[@FayeHadley]

In many cases, yes! I'd just check that the wire harness is the same, or you'd have to install larger cables, too!

[@miguelacosta4509]

I also have a toyota wrench thats a 12mm/14mm its the best wrench i own for working on any 'Yota

[@carltondoorman9145]

Wow! Alternator work has gotten a lot more complicated since my old '65 Barracuda. I must not have been keeping up all these years...

[@ThatManitobaGuy]

The number of times I've had to replace that power wire terminal on 1GR-FE's is 3 which isn't alot but it's annoying that's it's happened 3 times on 3 different vehicles. A downside to living in Canada lol

[@Kilnor]

Would you look at that! I mean just look at it! Almost like it was done by a professional, lol jk. I love your content and you Faye. Great video!!!

[@FayeHadley]

Awww thanks so much! I really appreciate that!

[@goulartaf66]

Had a question what you were talking about when you upgrade to a AGM battery what do you need to update for the power output from the alternator?

[@karmudeen]

Hi, love your content. Do you know where i can get an alternator for 2003 Nissan Altima?

[@Valverde713]

A voltage booster is not needed for simply adding an AGM battery. Ive got an optima red top AGM under the hood and a lithium bank in the back for my audio system everything charges and maintains voltage just fine even on the stock alternator with just the big 3 wiring upgrade.

[@lisab3396]

👍👍

[@sc4499]

Question Faye- why do torque specs "for tires" sometimes have various ranges to choose from? Example 80-110 lbs

[@HasanRifino]

❤❤❤❤

[@chicomaxima1]

The towing package include upgraded radiator ???

[@droppedonce7502]

Faye, is there a reason why you did not go with a high output aftermarket alternator like a Tuscon ? Not much of an upgrade to go from a 100 to 130 amp when you could step up to a 240 amp aftermarket that would get you the power needed to run a winch or extra battery systems?

[@lonesomecricket7721]

Did Toyota put an upgraded alternator on the 2007 FJs that had a tow package??

[@damensutherland7081]

Is that clad wire .i got some and it oxidizes faster than pure copper

[@billweber3784]

What multimeter did you use?

[@knickebien1966]

0:25 Come and take it!

[@marc31415]

this video inspired me to change my 20 year coroded power wires.

[@spishwax]

Thats funny: I called those non-offset box wrenches "honda wrenches"... great combo: 10mm/12mm, 12mm/14mm and 14mm/17mm

[@dytch2220]

8:53 Lol @ “home sailing”. Home free and smooth sailing mashup. 😂

[@liver.flush.maestro]

How can we measure battery charging power without measuring the current in addition to the voltage? I suppose this is why "charging voltage" is variable between cars... 🙂 I love your green screw driver fuse box removal technique 🤣

[@danielsmith-ze3wy]

Good morning everyone hope everyone has a blessed day. Thanks Faye for the video

[@Dr_Tom_Servo]

How can we get access to the TIS website?

[@maxscriptguru]

Wish you would please tell people how to access a toyota repair manual. TIF what is that?

[@FayeHadley]

TIS! It is yearly subscription that I pay for, But you can also purchase it for just a week or a couple days and then you can download as many files as you want!! It is the factory Toyota repair manual database. one.tis.toyota.com !!

[@ProCrawlerAdventures]

I have a question I have been pondering, my late brother was a Master Diagnostic Tech for Toyota, he drilled into me the importance of always using OEM parts… I have a 3rd gen Tacoma and 5th gen 4Runner…… I plan on keeping forever hopefully..Now that they are discontinued, when will Toyota stop making parts for them? What parts if any, would you recommend we stock up on? I was thinking things like water pumps, starters, plugs, plug wires.. maybe wheel bearings… I would really like to know what your thoughts on this….. Cheers!

[@JeremyAnthony-w2r]

Is that the 1gr engine

[@liver.flush.maestro]

It seems like there is a connector with a missing bolt at 24:17 - 24:18

[@pechep]

My Gf "have fun watching the pretty lady work on trucks" Me "She makes good videos too!"

[@richarddiaz8248]

You didn’t tell us about your experience at SEMI

[@frincon75]

Why dont we have a supercharger install vid?

[@JeremyAnthony-w2r]

Do you own a new tundra?

[@AlonzoJ-pf4dt]

😳😲

[@RobertYonng]

Why not just add the new rebuilt one with the good OE one then you’ll have doubled + the amps. 😉