Interesting electrical problem.

Popak2 · 10-29-2006, 06:30 PM

I have a 85 4rnr (22re) and this is the scoop. While driving back from Ocotillo Wells a few weeks ago, at night, I had my High beams run'n and my radio (w/ 300 watt amp) First, the radio just dies, amp, deck, the whole shabang. Then I noticed my high beams getting weaker, and while running high beams, my windshield wipers would BARELY work. If I had to use my turn signal w/ HB's on, with each blink, the engine would mildly stall. By the time I rolled into San Diego, My low beams were barely working, and turning anything above 2500 RPM would show major issues in engine performance. I used my blinker turning into my parking spot and it killed my engine.

Next day I had to jump start the engine. I check the battery and alternator along with all obvious wiring and everything checked out. Took the truck to Kragen to have them test the battery and alternator (I thought my Multi meter might be on coke) and they said they were both fine. Got home, cursed allot while tracing every wire I could find and found nothing. Then....the truck started fine. No problems for 2 weeks........

Yesterday I drove back from Mt Laguna at night and had the same freaking problem.

The common problem is that when ever I run my lights for extended periods of time, the battery is getting drained and the current draw exceeds what the alternator can handle. I'm thinking that I have a short some where in my head light wiring or something of that such but have been unable to find anything.

Anyone have this problem or have any insight on the issue?

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Herkaleez · 10-29-2006, 06:54 PM

Have you mod'd anything recently....how long have you had your head unit installed, do you have auxilary lighting? If it's not a short, sounds like you alternator is having a hard time keeping up with electrical demand.
Let us know what you find.

CyMoN · 10-29-2006, 06:55 PM

sounds like the alt it happened to me in the rain one time had my lights and wipers and radio all on and all of a sudden the wipers started to sloww down then stopped.
a new alt fixed it for me.

Herkaleez · 10-29-2006, 07:01 PM

I just reread your post....instead of "head unit" read in "stereo system"
I overlooked you have an amp.....maybe your amp is or has started drawing too much amperage.
Electrical problems are the worst.....I wish you luck

myyota · 10-29-2006, 11:00 PM

It sounds like your alternator is on its way out.

Elvota · 10-29-2006, 11:14 PM

I'd second the alternator....

.... but once in my '90 Toyota pickup I had almost exactly the same symptoms. My problem was a blown fuse. I don't remember exactley which one, but it affected the charging system. Replaced the fuse... fixed all my issues.

Maybe something worth checking at least.

10-29-2006, 06:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
CyMoN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 2,164	sounds like the alt it happened to me in the rain one time had my lights and wipers and radio all on and all of a sudden the wipers started to sloww down then stopped. a new alt fixed it for me. __________________ my rigs 89 4runner 1989 4runner v6 5 speed everything factory +4susplift running bfg 31s and a aux gas tank and more aux lights than needed 86 pickup 1986 stock pickup 22r 31.10 BFG ATs flatbed a sad day for the 4runner "One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life."

10-29-2006, 11:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
Elvota Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,436	I'd second the alternator.... .... but once in my '90 Toyota pickup I had almost exactly the same symptoms. My problem was a blown fuse. I don't remember exactley which one, but it affected the charging system. Replaced the fuse... fixed all my issues. Maybe something worth checking at least. __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY visit the sticki chronicles

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10-29-2006, 06:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
Herkaleez Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: the former Mississippi Gulf Coast Posts: 26	Have you mod'd anything recently....how long have you had your head unit installed, do you have auxilary lighting? If it's not a short, sounds like you alternator is having a hard time keeping up with electrical demand. Let us know what you find.

10-29-2006, 07:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
Herkaleez Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: the former Mississippi Gulf Coast Posts: 26	I just reread your post....instead of "head unit" read in "stereo system" I overlooked you have an amp.....maybe your amp is or has started drawing too much amperage. Electrical problems are the worst.....I wish you luck

10-29-2006, 11:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
myyota Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Pablo, CA Posts: 1,405	It sounds like your alternator is on its way out.