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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

It sounds like your alternator is on its way out.

 

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.