Don't even know where to start on a Search of this Forum for my topic. So... I'll post a new thread and hope it hasn't already been fully addressed somewhere.

Have a 1985 Toyota Truck, Extended Cab. Automatic Transmission (AT) with Overdrive. 4-cylinder. Around 136K miles. Been wonderfully problem-free, over the years.

But, for a while, now, I've had slight leak in my Power Steering (PS) unit. Can't tell exactly where the leak is (pretty much "wet" over an area towards the bottom of the engine compartment).

Leak might be around the Reservoir input hose to the PS unit? [Today, I tightened the clamp on this input hose, hoping that it might stop any potential leaks, there.] Still, leak, didn't seem too serious -- though may be getting worse. Had to fill the PS reservoir once, this last week.

And, I've noticed the PS fluid is dripping some on the Alternator (it's below the PS unit). Again, didn't seem too serious.

But, this morning (after my truck sat all night), I got into the passenger area and noticed an "electrical" smell. Fairly strong.

Started the truck, OK. Drove it about 100 yards to get my mail at our apartment office. Came back, and still an electrical smell. Started truck, then shortly after, the "Battery/No Charge" light came on. Tried to drive, but Automatic Trans would only go into 3d gear, in Drive. Could shift into Low (and Reverse), but that was it.

Then the "Batty Light" went out. AT working again.

Anyone have any ideas what's going on here? Maybe PS fluid shorted the Alternator? And, not enough current for AT solenoids? (But, why wouldn't the main battery supply enough for the AT?)

Yet, even more problematic... why in the world the "electrical smell," overnight, when the ignition, etc, was OFF??

Tested the passenger compartment again, tonight. No electrical smell, now, and no "Battery Light."

All this sure has me worried, though. Have I done some permanent damage to my electrical system and Alternator?? Should I disconnect my battery when truck is parked -- until I get this problem solved?


Appreciate any help.

Robby

 

Did you fill it with "Power Steering Fluid" or ATF? (It takes ATF)

Sounds like the fluid has gotten into the alt to me. Not sure what you can do to clean it out that wouldn't destroy the bearings in the alt.

 

PS Fluid. I thought that's what it took. Been using it for years, whenever PS gets low. Permanent damage by using PS fluid??

Yeah, my thinking, too, about fluid in the Alternator. But, now the Alternator Light has gone out, and all "seems" fine.

Maybe the thing to do is get it into a shop and get that PS fixed, right away? Expensive. Probably over $500!

Any thoughts on why the electrical smell, while the truck has been parked? And, the AT problems? Anyone?

Appreciate your input.

Robby

 

If you have been using power steering fluid then you have probably damaged the seals in the power steering pump and possibly the steering box. Toyotas use ATF = automatic transmission fluid in the power steering system and nothing else.

 

My guess is that the AT problems are related to the electrical problems.