Low Idle / Bad Battery / Bad Alternator ???
#1
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Low Idle / Bad Battery / Bad Alternator ???
I have a 2001 4runner with 150k miles on it. I replaced the alternator 2yrs ago with an 80amp model from Autozone. My truck is idling at 500rpms, the lights and climate fan will increase as the rpms increase. I am having a problem with the battery not charging. I took it to OReilly and they tested the battery which is a 2 yr old optima gel cell battery and said that it is only 45% charged and that my alternator is putting out 11 volts and 30 amps. After searching the forums and wondering if my low idle had anything to do with it I went back to OReilly and tested it again this time with a little higher rpm (1200) they tested the alternator and found it was putting out 13volts and 40 amps.
My question is this.....
Do you think I should look into getting the idle up to 800rpms before looking into the alternator or battery? Or should I replace the alternator / battery again?
This is my first post so please forgive me it this is an elementary question, I apologize. I am just at wits end right now with this truck and dont want to just change out parts.
My thought is that until the idle is up to around 800rpm I cant really verify that the alternator is working, and in turn that the battery is charging?
I do plow occasionally with the truck and was wondering if I should leave the idle where its at and get a smaller pulley on the alternator so it runs at a higher rate.
Is my line of thinking off base?
My question is this.....
Do you think I should look into getting the idle up to 800rpms before looking into the alternator or battery? Or should I replace the alternator / battery again?
This is my first post so please forgive me it this is an elementary question, I apologize. I am just at wits end right now with this truck and dont want to just change out parts.
My thought is that until the idle is up to around 800rpm I cant really verify that the alternator is working, and in turn that the battery is charging?
I do plow occasionally with the truck and was wondering if I should leave the idle where its at and get a smaller pulley on the alternator so it runs at a higher rate.
Is my line of thinking off base?
Last edited by boomboombd; 12-03-2012 at 07:22 PM.
#2
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First things first. Start with a new alternator, a real one.
Rockauto will sell you a real Denso alternator for about 120 bucks. Partsgeek will sell you a Denso for about the same money.
Rockauto will sell you a real Denso alternator for about 120 bucks. Partsgeek will sell you a Denso for about the same money.
#3
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I went with a brand new alternator and a new battery. Lights and fan aren't dimming or slowing down but the rpm is still around 500.
I ordered a new timing belt seeing my truck has 154k miles on it and 93k since the last belt.
I also picked up throttle body cleaner and mass airflow cleaner
Hopefully that will take care of the problem
I ordered a new timing belt seeing my truck has 154k miles on it and 93k since the last belt.
I also picked up throttle body cleaner and mass airflow cleaner
Hopefully that will take care of the problem
#4
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Check all the vacuum hoses and intake tube for cracks and leaks.
Is the 500 rpm idle all the time or just when the engine is cold? A good cleaning of the IAC valve may help.
Is the 500 rpm idle all the time or just when the engine is cold? A good cleaning of the IAC valve may help.
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