Toyota Yaris Alternator Failure – Signs and Solutions?

Wa Alaikum Assalam!

If youre suspecting that your Toyota Yaris’s alternator might be failing, the symptoms youre experiencing—flickering battery light, dim headlights, and trouble starting the car—are common signs of alternator issues. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and powering electrical systems while the engine is running. When it starts to fail, the battery can lose its charge, leading to these symptoms.

To confirm if the alternator is the problem, you can perform a few tests:

Check the Battery Voltage: With the engine off, measure the voltage across the battery terminals using a multimeter. A healthy, fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. Start the car and check again the voltage should rise to about 13.7 to 14.7 volts if the alternator is charging the battery properly. If it stays the same o r s, its likely an alternator issue.

Test the Alternator’s Output: While the car is running, measure the battery voltage. If the reading is below 13 volts, the alternator may not be charging properly.

Look for Warning Lights and Other Symptoms: Besides the flickering battery light, check for other signs, such as unusual electrical behavior like lights dimming when you press the accelerator o r a dead battery shortly after starting the car.

If the alternator is indeed the issue, replacing it is necessary. The replacement process typically involves:

Disconnecting the battery to avoid electrical shocks o r damage.
Removing the serpentine belt that drives the alternator.
Unbolting the alternator and disconnecting the electrical connections.
Installing the new alternator and reattaching all parts.

Replacing the alternator is usually a job that requires some mechanical skill, but if youre not comfortable doing it yourself, its best to consult a mechanic.

If you’re in doubt, getting a mechanic to diagnose and replace the alternator would be a reliable solution.