Genuine Toyota OEM Alternators

All Toyota and Scion vehicles have alternators. They're main parts of charging systems, and their job is to turn mechanical energy into electrical energy. Put simply, they convert motion into electricity, generating current.

The process starts with a vehicle's engine, which runs serpentine and drive belts. These belts move a pulley, which turns a rotor shaft and spins some magnetic coils. A rectifier captures the resulting magnetic field's energy as AC power, transforming it into DC power -- a charge managed by a voltage regulator.

In short, the alternator is what helps charge the car battery, run the dashboard lights and displays, and power other electrical systems, from the radio and windows to steering and windshield wipers. It can even help keep options like heated seats working.

Unfortunately, alternators can sometimes go bad, with their failure generally caused by installing incompatible accessories or jump-starting the wrong way, if not parts damage or wear. Even an alternator belt that's too tight can have negative consequences. Luckily, the signs of alternator problems are pretty easy to spot. They include:

• Dashboard warning lights (for the alternator and battery specifically)
• Lighting trouble
• Car entertainment system malfunctions
• A dead battery
• A burning smell around the battery or alternator
• Leaking alternator fluid
• Engine squeals
• Electrical system failure

If you see any of these symptoms, run a careful inspection, testing your model's charging system in the process. Replace your alternator if results call for it. Otherwise, change it either every 80,000 to 150,000 miles or every 7 years, whichever comes first.

Repair the Charging System in Your Toyota or Scion the Right Way -- Install a Genuine OEM Alternator

Toyota & Scion design their charging system parts to work with your model specifically, guaranteed. So, you shouldn't choose anything other than a genuine OEM alternator. You're in luck: you can buy one online right here at our auto parts store. We'll ship it to you ASAP, so you can get fixing in no time.