FireMan

Does anyone notice that on thier 4Runner, when you use the power windows, the volt meter takes a nice drop and the head lights dim?

My dad has a 95' 4Runner like mine, but Manual. To me, his voltage drops horrendously. Whenever you tap the brakes, the lights dim. Some times, you can make the radio reset itself due to lack of power. It has a new battery, but have been thinking that his brushes are worn out.

Still, is everyone elses electrical system seem on the weak side?

Ohh, and regarding alternators. Why is it that an Off-Road capable rig only got a 60amp alt. While a sports car, MR2 being in mind had a 120amp alt?

Just wondering.

swan556

yea anything electrical makes my dip .

Sbrut95

Ive been having the same problem. Then I saw a thread that said there has been a problem with the 95's doing this.

95 4Runner V6 with electrical problem. I have seen a common problem that has eluded me in finding the actual cause. Customers will complain that at times or many times when stepping on the brake the radio will cut out and the lights may dim then return to normal. Some have had the engine stall, which creates and I agree a safety problem. I have been able to duplicate the condition on some models. Until recently the Tech line has chose to ignore the condition but it turns out that the Lexus line has had the same problem. The funny thing is that only the 95 4Runner Limited with the 3.0 and loaded model is affected. I always knew that a ground somewhere was the cause. They are saying that cleaning the negative battery cable at the battery and to ground from the battery is needed (clean down the paint where it bolts to the vehicle). Add a ground wire from the negative battery connection to the inner fender. 4/99. Update: Still some sensitivity with the load showing up when the radio cuts out for an instant then comes right back on. Ground improved the general running but the problem is not totally eliminated but greatly reduced. 6/99 More updates from Pat in Atlanta: On the 95 4Runner with electrical problems topic, I have fixed many of these vehicles by increasing the size of the power feed from the battery to the main slow blow fuse. It seems that the wire heats up and causes a voltage drop in the system sometimes causing the EFI system to shut down. Thanks Pat 5/00

Got this off of Yotarepair.com and thought it might help someone with a 2nd gen out there.

Hope this helps... I havnt tried it yet but we'll see.

SHINYSIDEUP

I have the exact vehicle you described, 95 4Runner LTD, 3.0 with auto. I have been experiencing a weird erratic clicking noise coming from near my steering column under the dash. I replaced the turn signal relay, and it helped but the problem still crops up when I run a bunch of accessories ie: driving lights, seat heater (I installed), spotlight. I properly installed all accessories, 10 gauge wire, fused and using proper relays and the problem only occurs at idle while in gear. When I rev it, the problem goes away. I assume that my alternator needs to be replaced soon (85K miles) and will do it with a 130 Amp model. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

FireMan

interesting.

With all the accesories, the main power feed is too small?

I get the clicking under the steering column as well. Usually when the car is off and the door is open.

SHINYSIDEUP

I first noticed the clicking noise while idling at a traffic light with my turn signal on. Did you notice if yours was doing that as well? Is your motor running when you hear the clicking noise?

95_4X4Runner

I installed a 100 amp alternator from a 91 MR2, and I love it. My voltmeter used to drop, but not anymore, and I noticed how fast the rear window goes up and down at idle, big difference. I did the mod at the same time as the Taurus fan mod, because I wanted the extra juice.

The reason the MR2 had a bigger alternator was that they have electro-hydraulic power steering, and need the extra amps to run it.

Link to install:
http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/100alt/index.html

I bought the whole setup from Chris Geiger for $75.