[B]Lights Coming On, WHY???[/B]

[PrairieBoy]

I've got an 86 4Runner 22RE, It's been having a problem with the Alternator light and the Parking Brake light coming on simultaneously. It seems to happen when the engine reaches full operating temperature, but its very intermittent so its really hard to say exactly when it happens. Sometimes they'll come on for a while then off randomly. Its been happening since last summer when i drove through a deep water crossing and fried the alternator. i replaced the alternator, but the lights still come on, even though there is no apparent reason for it.
Could this be a problem or merely a loose connection or something?? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[keyice]

look at the plug on the alternator, check the ground for the alternator, you got a charging problem, the brake light and charge light are hooked together

[PrairieBoy]

Thanks, I'll look at that tomorrow morning!

[PrairieBoy]

Ok, Its not a charging problem because the battery never wears down and the gauge is always right up there. I took apart all the connections and sealed them with dylectric grease, and checked the ground. Everything seems perfect. Lights are still on though.
Any other ideas out there? Where are the connections i should be checking??

[toyotamudder90]

mine did that too couldnt figure it out and it slowly got worse i replaced the alternator and it fixed it

[toyotajunk2]

Same. Its your altenator. I had the same problem. I bought a new Alternator and it went out after about 6 months. Lights came on Replaced alternator and was fine. Its probably technically your voltage regulator but in Toyotas its in the same unit as your alternator.

[PrairieBoy]

I was afraid of that.
Thanks for your help guys!

[WrenchTwister]

5 bucks for new brushes. rebuild it in less than an hour.
i wish id never exchanged my oem alt for aftmkt sh!t. now its over charging,

replace the parts yerself, and youll be glad toy did.

[vigilantejustic]

I just bought the autoblown alternator, I wish I hadn't and that I'd have upgraded, but after the first one blew I was glad that it came with a 1 year warranty, that's something brushes doesn't do for you.

[WrenchTwister]

yeah, warrantys are nice.
i hope it works out good for you, (no problems).
personally, i have been there dun that, and have nuthin but problems.
years later, i rebuild all my OE parts.

[PrairieBoy]

Well I think I'll go the way of rebuilding, seems much cheaper. And if that doesnt do it, then i'll spend the money for a new alternator. Better to try the cheaper way first, as I am a poor college student, lol.
Thanks all.