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'93 Camry battery Light on during acceleration

Tiny
JAMESWOOD
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 192,000 MILES
The car in question is a 1993 Toyota Camry. We recently replaced the battery (new) and alternator (rebuilt) due to power problems. After a few weeks and problem free driving, the battery light has started to come on again. This happens only when accelerating. We tried a few low-tech tests, such as starting the engine, turning on dome light, then headlights, then blower, then wipers. No battery light comes on and everything stays on no problem. I am assuming its an alternator problem (wires, regulator?) But are we good to drive say 1 hour during daytime (no AC, lights, etc.)?
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Sunday, August 21st, 2011 AT 11:53 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Iam not saying your safe to drive any distance with a possible alternator issue. Take it to the local auto parts store and have them test the battery and alternator in the car. Also make sure the battery cables are clean and tight.
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
JAMESWOOD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, understood -- I know its not advisable to drive with any electrical problem. We are out of town and will take it to a local garage, but would like to get it back to my mechanic in the city.

Any ideas on the cause here?
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Could be a bad regulator brushing windings etc. You probably got a bad alternator. You would all like to drive are car home when it has issues but that always isnt possibly. Keep me posted on what you find.
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Since problem occurs only during acceleration, if there is any abnormal squeaking noises, it could be due to a bad crank pulley harmonic damper.

It could also be due to a bad ground or loose alternator holding bolt.
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Great point khlow2008 it could be a loose belt or one of the other things you mentioned.
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
JAMESWOOD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi all,

Thanks for the replies. Started the car this morning and no more battery light on acceleration. Went to local garage, and we took a look. Seems that the alternator was maybe under load at 13 volts or so. We had the garage charge up the battery and we set off back to the city (about 45 mins drive). Just as we arrived back the battery light started coming on on acceleration again. Went right to my mechanic (that installed the rebuilt alternator) and it seems that at that point it was OVER load at 16 volts (when pressing on the gas). So probably the regulator. Anyway the rebuilt piece is under a 3 month warranty, so he's replacing it. Thanks again all for input!
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
3 month warranty on the rebuilt alternator thats a short warranty but glad to hear you got it all figured out.
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 11:29 AM

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