got a 91 4runner w/ 140k. original alternator. here's the symptoms:

-on cold start, truck struggles just a bit to start, as if battery is low on charge.
-at idle, my headlights go dim (of course, only noticeable at night) and brighten up when i hit the accelerator.
-at idle, the heater doesn't blow hot air. only does so when i'm on the gas.

i'm guessing alternator.... sound right?

thanks,
Deo

 

sounds like altenator to me too. sooner or later, you'll have no power at all and wind up stuck on the side of the road.

 

It doesn't sound like the alternator. If the alternator is faulty, the warning light on the dash usually goes on. It might be the battery. Do you know how old your battery is?

 

Actually, mine did this right before my Alternator went. And now I am having more problems in terms of it. But its going to to the shop on friday to be fixed (hopefully anyway) for good. If you can, see about getting the alternator tested.

 

Sounds like the alt,
But almost all auto parts store will check it for free so that is where I would start.