mt4runner

While driving my '91 runner (3.0, 5 speed) today some weird stuff happened. Driving down a forest service two track, I happened to glance down, and the e brake light and the battery light came on. I glanced at the volt gauge, and it jumped a couple times above 18 volts. the volt gage settled down, the lights flickered a few times, then went off. So on the way home, they came on again, but volt meter stayed the same. Also, the cruise control wouldn't work. The cruise light came on as normal, but hit the set button and no go. As soon as the e brake and battery light went off, the cruise worked fine. I'm baffled. Were should I start looking? The manual says when the ebrake light comes on it could be low brake fluid, but thats not the case. Both lights seem to be tied together in this instance, coming on and going off simultainiously. Any input would be appreciated, this is my DD and I have to keep it running.
Regards, Rick

a4runnerfreak

I'm not good with wiring, but I'd start to check the batt cables (clean and tighten), and start checking all the grounds. Have you done any work on the truck, recently? Wired anything.....lights, radio, or anything like that, lately?

mt4runner

New coil, rotor and cap about a month ago. While doing this work, also cleaned and checked the battery terminals.

a4runnerfreak

Start checking all your grounds, then. Batt to block, block to frame, etc. Sorry, thats all the advice I can give. Hopefully some1 will chime in who can help you more. Sorry I can't be more help that that....

bugs1961

My brother had this happen when his alternator went out, or more likely, the regulator in the alternator. Brake light and battery light. Try taking your alternator into Autozone or somewhere and have it tested. Good luck.

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

the alternator/charge and brake light coming on is Toyotas way of telling you that there is a charging system problem. Sounds like the regulator is going out, and allowing the alternator to overcharge the system. there is also a failsafe built in that disables the cruise control when this happens.

take your truck to vatozone or schmucks and have it tested.

mt4runner

Thanks for all the replys. I'll get the alternator checked....seems to me I replaced it a couple of years ago, but you never know.
Regards, Rick

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

If you replaced it with an aftermarket reman, its likely bad again. Those things have a high failure rate, mostly due to lack of quality parts used during the rebuild.

tj884Rdlx

sounds like failing regulator in alt. if you need it replaced, and the previous isn't under warranty, look into having it rebuilt at a local alt shop. you'll most likely get better quality replacement parts. i have had similar luck (bad) with replacement alts from parts stores vs. rebuilds locally.

UKMyers

If you have the time to ship it out Boyle's Future Technology in Auburn CA just did mine. They shipped it back out the same day they received it. They totally rebuilt and rewrapped it. It puts out 90 amps at idle now

mt4runner

Just had it checked, it's bad. Good news is it has a life time warranty. But, the parts house won't have it in until tomorrow. Will update tomorrow.
Rick