While your battery provides the electricity that your spark plugs use to generate the ignition that fires up your engine, it's actually your alternator that's responsible for providing the electricity your vehicle's systems use.

How Your Alternator Works

It all starts when a crankshaft convert the vertical motion of the engine pistons into a rotary motion. That powers a drive belt to turn a pulley that's located on the rotor shaft. Inside the rotor, magnetic coils begin to spin and generate electricity. The electricity is then routed to parts such as your power windows, electronics, and more.

How to Spot a Failing Alternator

In time, even the best alternator can start to go bad. Once it does, you won't have a lot of time to act before the situation worsens. Signs of alternator trouble include:

The headlights start dimming or flickering
You hear a whining noise coming from your engine
The power windows stop working
Your entertainment system begins acting up
Your battery keeps dying

The best way to check for alternator issues is to measure the battery's voltage when the engine is turned off. If it reads below 12.5 volts, give it a charge. If the battery voltage is still low after that, your alternator's likely at fault. If you do need to replace your alternator, insist on installing a genuine OEM one. After all, only a real deal Toyota alternator is guaranteed to be compatible with your model. Our online auto parts department has everything you need for the project in stock and ready to ship. Buy now and save!