1992 Toyota Camry Alternator cuts out

Tiny
SGH
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 161,000 MILES
When the car is first started, alternator output is normal (approx. 14.5 volts). Voltage on all three (signal) wires in the plug is the same as the main output. After running for a few minutes, the alternator cuts out, leaving a voltage reading of about 12 volts (from the battery). Two of the wires in the plug read 12; the yellow lead (IGN) reads 2.2 volts. I have been unable to identify what is failing after it warms up.

Even though a bench test of the alternator showed no problem, I replaced it with a remanufactured unit and had the same result. I have also replaced the battery, starter and some ground wires. Still, the source of the problem eludes me. Any thoughts on the cause of this phenomenon would be appreciated.
Sunday, January 18th, 2009 AT 11:58 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi sgh,

Thank you for the donation.

The problem should be the crankshaft pulley. The dynamic damper is faulty resulting in the alternator belt driving pulley freewheeling on the crankshaft when it heats up.

This would result in alternator armature speed dropping when engine warms up.
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Monday, January 19th, 2009 AT 8:07 AM

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