Alternator, 2002 Avensis

[BobbyPosh]

I have a 2002 1.8 auto Avensis, 96000 miles, no serious problems until two weeks ago. I came to start it on Monday morning and it wouldn't. I had to get my garage to take it in and they said the Battery was flat because the alternator had gone. They replaced the alternator, charged the Battery and there is no prpblem now.

My question is, how did this happen? There had been no indicator light that the Battery was not charging and no indications of low battery at all. As I came home on Sunday evening, about a quarter of a mile from home I went through an enormous puddle creating a big splash. I got home without any problem but could that splash have done it?

[Muarrif]

I had the same issue with my Avensis (Avensis T3S 2003, 111000 miles)

Toyota changed the Battery THREE times and did not realise that it was the alternator.

The Battery kept dying without warning.

I then took it to private garage and they took three four days to get back to me and advise that the rectifier in the alternator had burnt out and this was allowing the Battery to drain via the alternator.

Garage refurbished the existing alternator by soldering a new rectifier and gave a years gurantee on the job. I never had the problem since and it only cost me £69.

[igormus]

I had the same issue with my Avensis (Avensis T3S 2003, 111000 miles)

Toyota changed the battery THREE times and did not realise that it was the alternator.

The battery kept dying without warning.

I then took it to private garage and they took three four days to get back to me and advise that the rectifier in the alternator had burnt out and this was allowing the battery to drain via the alternator.

Garage refurbished the existing alternator by soldering a new rectifier and gave a years gurantee on the job. I never had the problem since and it only cost me £69.

hello

it looks strange because mine Battery serves me since 2003 (!) (all years round) -- it is unbelieavable -- i ask for it testing each service intervals just to be sure it will not let me down during next 10k kms. I deem you ve a problem with either charging current or with electricity leak via some contacts.

Cheers/Igor

[DTO]

Lucky you Igormus. Benefit of colder climate.

I've currently on my third Battery. Batteries rarely get over 4 year in a climate where we have 2 months over 25oC all day

Heat's a real Battery killer

[BobbyPosh]

Lucky you Igormus. Benefit of colder climate.

I've currently on my third battery. Batteries rarely get over 4 year in a climate where we have 2 months over 25oC all day

Heat's a real battery killer

[BobbyPosh]

Thank you, maybe it was the rectifier damaged by the water. I must remember to go slowly through puddles. That one cost me over £200!

[igormus]

Lucky you Igormus. Benefit of colder climate.

I've currently on my third battery. Batteries rarely get over 4 year in a climate where we have 2 months over 25oC all day

Heat's a real battery killer

hello DTO

I allow to myself to be disagreed with YOU and it is because we have even +35 C in summer but it is not a reason the Battery must not to serve.

I feel the problem is another stated by me.

Cheers/Igor

[DTO]

The problem of the original poster (burnt out rectifier on the alternator) was probably caused by some kind of thermal shock on the rectifier or some kind of broken connection in the alternator. It was probably trying to charge the Battery, getting hot in the process and was suddenly cooled by the puddle of water.

Of course we don't know if the current draw was excessive due to some other problem in the electrical system.

About batteries now. Lead-acid batteries used in cars are designed for many cycles with only a slight discharge. They are not designed for full discharges and their service life is reduced if this happens often. Also according to www.batteryuniversity.com "Every 8°C (15°F) rise in temperature cuts the Battery life in half". That's why batteries last longer in Northern and Central Europe (I assume not in the extreme North due to the difficulty in starting diesel engines in extreme cold) in comparison to Southern Europe. And I was not talking about 35oC for are few days but continuous average heat.

I have changed 3 batteries in 7 years of ownership- the first after about a year due to it continuously overflowing of electrolyte, second one (a sealed Toyota Battery under warranty) lasted around 4 years and I've got the current one for about two. I don't use the car much so the battery may be discharging a bit more than it should but it's used for long trips so ample time to charge fully.