headlights are dim on idle, and powerfull when I drive.

[DrLove]

I have a little question.

When my car is on "idle", the car is running fine, at 800rpm or something under 1000. If I press just a bit on the gaz (just 100 rpm more..about 1000-1100 rpm), the headlights become much powerfull. It's very noticable at night. My gf told me why it's doing that..I had no answer..

Is it "normal", do you have the same "problem"?

If it's not, is it the alternator who is old?
Or does I need to just increase the idle of 100rpm (and how can I increase it??)?

Thanks for you help.

[ThatVietGuy]

I'm pretty sure that points to an alternator problem.

[Midias]

I think you need a new alternator I would suggest the highlander upgrade if you are doing a lot of audio stuff.

[Ransom8707]

I agree sounds like the same problem I had two years ago but mines an auto trans....I took it to the dealership and they replaced the alternator and the problem went away

off subject question sorry....does anybody know which higher amp alternator can be runned on a 5SFE engine? been searching around but no luck

[(K)]

^^^
Correct me if I'm wrong (anybody), but I believe that you can go as high as you'd like, the extra amperage capacity wouldn't even be produced unless your system actually needs it.

More like having huge muscles that can handle 200 lb boxes all but you're only lifting 4 lb boxes in real life. Alot of muscle on reserve though in case you ever get a 200 lb box.

Also, if you upgrade to a larger alternator don't forget to buy lower gauge wiring (bigger wires)...

edit: Or did you mean "which" as in "which" brand?

[Ransom8707]

well what I meant to say can I use a Sienna or Highlander alternator thats direct bolt on to my 5SFE or are there any other alternatives?... or should I just remanufacture my stock alternator for extra amps?

[(K)]

Which one costs less haha?

I mean if they all bolt on perfectly and runs off your belt with no issues then all I see is a plus. If it costs less to refurb your old one then I'd go with that route instead to insure compatibility.

Just a question though, are you looking to upgrade because yours is going bad or because you're going to be actually needing more amperage?

If yours is going bad then go the cheapest route (personally that's what I'd do), if you're upgrading a [sound] system then definitely go the route that puts out the most amperage. If you're upgrading for no real reason then I suggest staying right where you are; stock.

[Ransom8707]

I'm actually upgrading because I'm going to need extra amperage to run my sound system to its full potential. I'm installing two Stinger 1400's batteries and I don't think that my stock alternator will be able to give me the required amps to run the system smoothly. Since I'm already having problems running it with my stock battery and alternator it keeps shutting down in the middle of a bang when I have it turned up.

I been searching around through the forums but I haven't been able to find an answer to which alternator will direct fit to a 5SFE engine. I wanted to know if a Sienna or Highlander alternator will work since I wanted to buy Gabe's alternator that he has for sale.

[(K)]

Good luck to you then my friend, I never really ran into that issue enough to worry about it.

All I can tell you is the above statements haha, if it fits and works then go for it. Outside of that, I wouldn't really know about fitment and whatnot, sorry...

[DatSRBoi]

Correct me if I am wrong but the hilander should be the highest you would want to go unless you got some bad azz system that requires a lot power.

Reason I say that because if you give it too much power and nothing is using it up, I would think that all that power build up would heat up your wires. It's got to go somewhere.

I could be wrong.Don't upgrade unless its needed which in this case with the dim light yes.

[DrLove]

Thanks for your help guys!

For now my car run smooth and start on first try, and it's 14 F and less.
I bought a new battery and new starter last 2 months.

Im gonna see how it cost for a refurbished alternator.
I don't need more juice from the stock alternator,
I only run a 250W amp and maybe 100W radio.


Is it easy to install? Or I need a pro?

[Dawgz]

U should be able to do it urself, just undo the bolt near the alternator, i think its a 10mm, that will untention the serpintine belt, take the belt off the alternator pulley, then go at it with the screws that hold the alternator on...


That should be the process.

[AllShowNoGo]

Ransom

If your going to run 2 stinger batteries you might not need a new alternator. Those batteries throw out and hold double or triple the power of a optima so getting a new alternator might be pointless. It would be easier to run the system on the batteries first then see if a new alternator is necessary after(cheaper)!