1996 Camry Charge Problems

[founts]

Hi,

over the past few months the charge circuit indicator light in my 1996 Camry CSi has been flickering and staying on briefly (5 seconds to 5 minutes).

The battery is 12 months old and on the advice of two separate auto electricians I had the alternator replaced. This resolved the problem for about 12 hours before the charge light appeared again.

When it flashes there is no obvious signs that the battery is discharging, all lights operate at there usual brightness and all other electrical equipment works perfectly.

The same auto electrician checked the B+ lead by wiggling it while the engine was running but this didn't cause the light to show.

I've checked everything else around the alternator and all electrical connections in the charge circuit but can't find any obvious cause for the fault.

Does anyone have any ideas to a possible cause or remedy for the charging issues?

Thanks

[trentmeyer23]

Only on start up? If it stays on, give the alternator a tap with a hammer to loosen the sticky brushes.

[founts]

No, it's usually pretty good when it first starts up. Some drives can be 30-45 minutes before the light comes on others it lights up within seconds of starting the engine.

[trentmeyer23]

See if you can trace the wiring loom from the clip in plug on the alternator and check for any damage. Also check connections for corrosion and broken/damaged pins.

[mick 105]

good chance there is a lose connection or corrosion casuing the light to come on. doest it only happen once per drive or many times?

[founts]

Hi, thanks for the tips, the light can flicker constantly for a good 2-3 minutes other times it can flicker briefly then extinguish for the rest of the drive.

[rigby75]

Is it new record or secondhand alternator? It sounds like the brushes in the alternator.