Multiple Alternator Replacements

Tiny
HARIMANDIR S KHALSA
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 TOYOTA RAV4
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
All of the check lights went on with the car (check engine light, battery light, all of them), and the car was driving strangely. I had the alternator checked, and it was bad, but the battery was good. I replaced the alternator, but didn't tighten down the battery clamps very well after replacing the alternator. The replacement alternator went bad and the battery went bad. I replaced the battery and securely tightened the battery down with the clamps, and put in another alternator, but the battery light comes on and off intermittently while driving. I had it checked and the alternator is bad again. I checked the fuses to see if any of them were visibly bad, especially the fuses that pertain to the alternator. I checked cables to see if I could find any issues there, but the cables and fuses all look ok. I haven't tested fuses with a multimeter yet. What could be causing the alternator go keep going bad?
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 AT 9:24 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,601 POSTS
If you don't use a high quality alternator like a Denso they will go out quickly. If you have a good alternator on there it can be over worked due to a bad battery current sensor. Here is the location of the sensor so you can swap it out. You can help confirm the issue if you use a voltameter to test he alternator output while the engine is on by following this guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Check out the images (below). Let us know what you find.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 22nd, 2025 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
HARIMANDIR S KHALSA
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you for the info. I ordered a denso oem alternator, because the alternator from the local parts store kept failing. Even a local mechanic checked it out and said it's the alternator that's bad, no other underlying cause found. Also, is there a serpentine belt removal wrench you would recommend for a 2008 rav4? I bought an inexpensive one, which hasn't worked very well.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 29th, 2025 AT 2:24 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,601 POSTS
Yep, sometimes you got to with the a name brand. This is the wrench they show does your look like this? Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 29th, 2025 AT 4:41 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.