How to Test and Replace Your Alternator

[@taintedsasquatch398]

It’s so nice that the pulley is bolted on unlike some domestic cars you need a puller to remove it. Parts are becoming really scarce nowadays, if you can find a salvage yard that will let you take hard to find parts off the engine do so. Grab as many connectors sensors and brackets as you can think to get.

[@KevinP774]

Great videos man. I recently bought a 2000 GS400 and I have been working on basically everything. Your videos have helped a ton! Keep them coming.

[@MF-rtard89]

Nice! How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking? I bought my 2000 GS400 a year ago with 77k miles for 7800 bucks from the original owner, bone stock and mint. You're gonna love your GS. Best car I've ever owned.

[@KevinP774]

@@MF-rtard89 I paid 5000. It has 145,000 miles but it was mint, garage kept, and it’s the special platinum edition. For an older car it drives amazing. I just rebuilt the front end, upper and lower control arms, tie rod ends, basically every bushing and ball joint and it drives way better.

[@875daily]

you make it look so easy lol. I messaged you on IG earlier but found this video tonight . Same symptoms with the battery light. Even replaced the battery today.

[@ForwardMomentum]

Sorry this happened! You can definitely handle the job. Just call the dealer and get an estimate (for fun) and then treat yourself to a nice dinner with all the $ you’re going to save doing it yourself. 👍

[@phatmiike]

You’ve been making videos of everything I’ve been meaning to work on on my GS400!

[@jaymeadow360]

I have the power steering leak, I have to add about 8 ounces of trans fluid every other month...When I took it to the shop to have my radiator changed (about 5-6 months ago) I asked them to address it but they said it was ok at the time...Def got to take a better look as my alternator is new/only 2 yrs...Don't want to have to deal with that again. The original one went out at 145k. And on another note, I bought a similar TRD front lip as the one you have (did not have to do as much as you; as far as set up) but it is on the shorter side as in can only clip on the driver side...so have to heat gun it?/stretch it out a bit...Taken it to have someone else install for me...bummed out but will be happy once on the "Crowlex" :) GREAT VID!! Thanks again for this awesome content!!

[@callister4941]

thank you i just ordered my alternator for my gs430 before you posted this

[@darrenliggett7222]

Hey man, so glad I stumbled across your channel. I have a 1UZ-FE Soarer and the alternator is faulty so this has given me the cofnidence to get it removed and repaired. Also I love youe pulleys, would like to swap mine out for alloy ones like yours. I've just subbed to your channel so will have a hunt through your old vids and hopefully see one with you upgrading your pulleys and where to puchase a set for the 1UZ from. Keep up the good work. I've a lot to binge watch now, happy day 🙂

[@ForwardMomentum]

Thanks for the kind words! Here’s the pulley episode: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpe8eqKkipqBms0

[@TRACKMKIII]

Great video as always!! I really enjoy seeing more GS content. You should consider posting your videos on Rumble too.

[@hussienabukhalil2012]

I have LS400 96 model , with 1UZFE engine non vvti , exactly same work .

[@pankajbhugra4426]

Great video! I have the same issue showing up (lights flickering), however, just to be certain it wasn't a bad battery (which I got installed a few weeks ago at Sams Club) I charged the battery full, started the car, and when I revved the engine the voltage across the battery terminals went up to around 13.5V I believe. I took it for a spin (about 15-20 miles) and parked it. Later in the evening, I checked the voltage while revving the engine and the voltage across the battery terminals didn't go up anymore. I don't understand how that's possible unless there's a loose connection somewhere. Thoughts?

[@ForwardMomentum]

So is your voltage consistent or inconsistent? It’s hard to tell from what you describe. Since the regulator is part of the ALT, any significant fluctuation can be an indicator of a bad ALT as well.

[@pankajbhugra4426]

@@ForwardMomentum Well, I sort of rushed and didn't test the voltage for too long to confirm if it stayed at 13-ish consistently or not. Sorry about the confusion. I did go get the alternator tested at the AutoZone & they confirmed it was bad. I got home and checked the resistance between the positive and negative terminals, and it is about at 78k ohm (ideally should be close to 0 ohm) which tells me the alternator or voltage regulator is bad. I plan to open it up later this week, and check the voltage regulator. Again, since the alternator was charging the battery a couple days ago for however short duration I tested I'm still confident that the alternator winding is good, and the voltage regulator has gone bad which I'll try to change.

[@rotarygod]

i replaced my alternator and tensioner few months ago ,it took a little bit longer because I removed it from the top ... I hope you can make a video like how to replace engine mount

[@ForwardMomentum]

I have mounts in a box. It’s on the vid list!

[@timwallace6379]

Now i see why yours was easier, no transmission cooler lines !

[@ForwardMomentum]

I didn’t even think of that! Good observation.

[@taintedsasquatch398]

Good eye, didn’t think of that myself either. When I did my alternator last year it was a mess lol.

[@aaleexsaalaazaar]

On a stock gs400 the transmission cooler lines are in the way but with some finessing you’ll get it out just like you did in the video 👌🏻

[@ForwardMomentum]

Good point! I totally forgot about that now that I’m manual. 😆

[@hussienabukhalil2012]

Nice work , thanks for the lovely vedio, big like 👍

[@vietcong4u]

can you do a review on your air jack

[@ForwardMomentum]

I did. I have 3 episodes on them.

[@prodtrv7884]

I have a GS400 and I suspect my alternator is dead. Started hearing a weird high-pitched whining noise after initially starting it, then drove it for around 30 minutes and the radio started flickering. Got home and the battery light turned on in the driveway and after starting the car again it's dead. It has a new battery. I smelled a weird burning smell coming from the heat when I initially started the car. Does this sound like an alternator issue? I've had my lights flickering randomly as well a few weeks ago.

[@ForwardMomentum]

Yes, it absolutely does. Install a simple USB power port with voltage display in the ashtray location and you’ll see the voltage of the battery and ALT once running. 👍

[@RobertMartinez-we3nr]

I have a 2004 gs 430 replaced the alternator several times issue keeps coming back won’t charge the system. I get 12 V, then the car dies. You think is could be bad ground ? Or cables

[@ForwardMomentum]

12V running is out of spec. It’s impossible to say over the internet what’s going on, but it sounds independent of the ALT. I would definitely take it to a shop that specializes in charging systems. I hope you get it!

[@RobertMartinez-we3nr]

Thanks

[@effortlessproductions]

I am having the same issue it’s driving me nuts. I’ve checked everything I can it’s all in order but won’t receive a single bit of charge. Did you ever find out??

[@maxmachina]

Know what size the skidtray bolts are or if theres a pack of them i can order?

[@ForwardMomentum]

I’m sorry, I don’t know off hand. I hate those things too!

[@briannestingen7784]

How did you remove the whole stock 12 volt socket from the ashtray to fit the new volt meter? I ordered the same one a month ago after I saw this video and am having a hell of time time getting it out. What am I missing?

[@ForwardMomentum]

It was a pain. You have to get the entire ashtray out and remove its backing plate, which will “unwind” the extend and retract spring. I think there are 3 screws to take off. Then you’ll see how that socket is attacked once you have all that off. Be sure to test the open/close before you put it back in so you can re-place that spring as it will surely come out of there. All for a 12V socket! 🤬

[@briannestingen7784]

@@ForwardMomentum haazaa....thank you bro. Keep them videos coming!!

[@easykevvv8167]

I’m having trouble still anyway you can be more clearer I took off the backing plate but I can’t find a way to take out the cigarette outlet

[@ForwardMomentum]

Look at photo #3 in this eBay ad: www.ebay.com/itm/353595672574?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Hxtbtz-LSnm&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=FHcu12rRTcq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@LordV1826]

What could be causing my 98 400 alternator to not charge ???? Please help I’ve replaced alternator, battery , terminals and fuses ... my 120 amp alternator fuse still blows

[@ForwardMomentum]

So hard to say. I would follow the troubleshooting procedure on the FSM if you haven’t already.

[@RobertMartinez-we3nr]

What’s the fsm I changed my alternator 4 times check everything won’t charger ?

[@ForwardMomentum]

Factory Service Manual. Download on a day pass from the TIS website. techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPortal/appmanager/t3/ti?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=preloginsearchform&preloginsearchform_actionOverride=%2Fportlets%2FPrelogin%2FSearchForm%2FsearchDocument&_pageLabel=ti_home_search_docs_page

[@RobertMartinez-we3nr]

Thank you this is beyond me !!! I checked everything with a test light I think it’s the connector that plugs to the alternator

[@saulhernandez1953]

Question how long can I drive my gs with battery light it just started today

[@ForwardMomentum]

I wouldn’t go more than a couple days. These are ultra-sensitive to voltage fluctuations.

[@saulhernandez1953]

Thank you I’ll try to change it tomorrow have you had good luck with autozone alternators

[@ForwardMomentum]

I personally went with a reman’d Denso from RockAuto I believe.

[@jmhellison]

I'm having trouble getting the nut off. Any advice? I'm guessing I need a breaker bar

[@ForwardMomentum]

I can’t see what video and nut you’re referring to on this dumb YT Studio app. Can you elaborate?

[@jmhellison]

@@ForwardMomentum Never mind, so I took the nut off, tapped the pulley with a hammer and it came off. Hopefully I can get this done tonight since I have work tomorrow

[@AgentEvil]

Got a question my gs400 gets 13.0v at idle and sometimes at the stop light stutters when Im at a stop and turn the wheel rpm drops no battery light tho would it still be the alternator?

[@ForwardMomentum]

Watch the voltage when you do all that if you can. A simple 12V socket with voltage or even a good OBD scanner will do that. That could be fuel, etc. hard to say.

[@kevinisnguyen]

Would this be a good time to replace that belt too? I’m at 24 years and 179k miles

[@ForwardMomentum]

If you don’t know when it was last changed, yes, change it. Put the old belt in the spare tire compartment as a spare.

[@kevinisnguyen]

@@ForwardMomentum What would this belt be called? Timing belt? Serpentine belt? Fan & alternator V belt? Trying to find the correct name and PN to cross reference on Rockauto.

[@ForwardMomentum]

Serpentine.

[@kevinisnguyen]

@@ForwardMomentum thanks I think I remember hearing you mention using a bando belt in one of your other videos. Is it that one? “Bando 6pk2240 Air Conditioning, Alternator, Power Steering and Water Pump”

[@ForwardMomentum]

No, that’s for supercharged use only. RockAuto should have you covered. 👍

[@falblushi6701]

From where i can get that voltage measuring device?

[@ForwardMomentum]

Any hardware store. That one in the vid is from Harbor Freight.

[@kevlarsz1115]

Thx for your videos!! i have a 99 GS400. got it used 4 yrs ago. and its gone thru 3 alternators in that time period. Ive only driven it 12000 in the 4 yrs. I think something is likely shorting the alternator? I'm not handy so what I should tell the mechanic to look for? And Thx so much for that tip on the DaierTek QC Usb, will def be buying that!

[@ForwardMomentum]

You’re welcome! The PS pump leaks on to the ALT and ruins them. But usually it takes a while. I’d check on that first. If it’s not that, I’m wondering if you happen to be getting a bad ALT each time, which seems unlikely. LMK!

[@masonsusich2153]

@@ForwardMomentum hey I was wondering if it’s the serpentine belt that comes off when replacing the alternator

[@ForwardMomentum]

Correct.

[@falblushi6701]

Bro you are the best in this GS400 car 👍

[@stephonwolf9245]

Where are you located sir... meaning what state

[@ForwardMomentum]

I keep that on the DL as a general rule. Any particular reason you’d like to know?

[@uuv.10]

Your car gs 430 or 400 ? 🤔

[@ForwardMomentum]

400

[@PH020]

On the next episode, your charging system! Turbo charging your system 🙏

[@ForwardMomentum]

I wish!

[@killthecappin5804]

Literally ordered my alternator for gs300 last night