Alternator Replacement Camry ACV36R

Cynicaloflife on 20/07/2017 - 20:23
Last edited 21/07/2017 - 10:33 by 1 other user

Hi all,

My Camry started failing today (engine stalling, radio failing etc). I called up RACV and they said it is the alternator failure.

The reason was that, the alternator outputs 11.8 volts and it is meant to be 13 volts. They said they cannot tell if it is the battery or alternator problem unless the alternator is replaced.

The cost of replacement and installation is $600. Seems a bit too high.

Anyone experienced with alternator replacement? I am not a mechanic, but I was thinking of buying a second hand alternator and getting it fitted at a Mechanic such as Kmart - auto etc.

I also live around the Melton West area, so not sure of any great mechanics in that area.

Automotive

Comments

  • gimli on 20/07/2017 - 20:33

    seems a bit BS that they can't work out if the battery is the problem or not.
    Can't you just try a new battery!

    how many km's have you done on it.

    • Cynicaloflife on 20/07/2017 - 20:51

      115000 km.

      I dont have a new battery.

      • JIMB0 on 20/07/2017 - 22:48

        Take it to an auto electrician. They should be able to work out if its the battery or the alternator. If the alternator is at fault it would most likely be the voltage regulator at such low kms. These can usually be changed on Bosch units without removing the alternator from the car.

        • Cynicaloflife on 21/07/2017 - 12:52

          Really, the regulator can be changed without removing the unit?

          I am pretty sure, this is the Bosch unit.

  • nocure on 20/07/2017 - 20:41

    Grab a reco from the wreckers ~$100 and fit it yourself, it's an easy job.

    • Cynicaloflife on 20/07/2017 - 20:52

      How do I fit it? I dont have the tools and this is my only car.

      Any online sources? I would also need to remove the belt wouldn't I?

      • nocure on 20/07/2017 - 20:55

        Yep just loosen the alt belt, unplug power and remove (two bolts)

        • Cynicaloflife on 20/07/2017 - 20:59

          Wouldn't I need to reset the ECU etc?

          Couldn't find any youtube videos.

          which tools would I need from bunnings? Dont have any.

        • altomic on 20/07/2017 - 21:51

          @mandok: socket set $8.95 at bunnings

          and hit up some wreckers.

          it's a very simple job

        • Cheap Charlie on 20/07/2017 - 22:14

          @mandok:

          This is video shows the alternator replacement step by step on a 2AZFE powered Camry. It should be the same as yours.
          Have a go at replacing it your self, maybe ask a friend to come help in case you need another pair of hands.
          Worse case if you get it part way dissasembled and you are not sure how to put it back together, you can call a mobile mechanic to come sort it.

          You could buy a reconditioned alternatr online for as little as $130. The catch is you want to ensure its the same part number as your original.
          If you can not see the part number whilst the alternator is fitted, you will have to remove it before you can set about securing a replacement, unless the place you are purchasing from guarantes you it will fit.

          https://youtu.be/_OYx4o78Ees

        • Cynicaloflife on 21/07/2017 - 08:00

          @Cheap Charlie:

          Thanks! Do I need any screwdrivers?

          This is the 4cylinder model.

        • Cheap Charlie on 21/07/2017 - 10:54

          @mandok:
          I would not imagine so.
          Having said that, screwdrivers can come in handy, not just for screwing things.
          For $10, you should own a set of crappy screwdrivers like these: https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-19-piece-screwdriver-…

      • edwardsajl on 20/07/2017 - 22:05
        +2

        you shouldn't do it yourself asking these questions. just pay for someone to do it.

  • CheapSticks on 20/07/2017 - 20:42

    they should be able to test the battery separately if all the cells are right or now. Pretty easy process from what I understand. Alternator can be tricky

  • aussieprepper on 20/07/2017 - 22:52

    yea alternator should output close to 14v. I would say its a alternator problem seeing as the car was dying if it was just the battery you wouldn't have this issue plus the car wouldn't start with a bad battery that was causing this many issues. The price sounds about standard for the job ask an auto electrician is he can install a reco for should bring the price down. reco alternator may not last as long as new they dont really replace much on them.

  • Forskin on 20/07/2017 - 23:32

    I just replaced the alternator on both my cars.
    My v6 commodore was approx 13.1V with headlights & heater on, turning on the indicators would dim the dash lights.

    Took about 20 mins at the wreckers pulling one out with only one hand (I had to hold the bonnet up with the other). Installing it took about 30 mins of my time. Only cost me 47 bucks.

    My LS1 commodore on the other hand has the alternator located at the bottom with no room underneath so all work had to be done from the top. Had to remove the fan shroud to maneuver it out. It took me a good few hours to replace it but a solid 14.4v so not complaining.

    it really isn't a difficult task, it's two bolts, one ECU plug and one positive output nut that will easily come off.

    Looks like the ACV36R alternator is mounted at the top, will only take a beginner a couple hours

  • Cynicaloflife on 21/07/2017 - 08:36

    Just an update. I got quoted by toyots r us at Melbourne. $175 alternator used + $50 install.

    Seems fair esp the $50 labour charge. I don't have any tools at present on me anyways.

    • blonky on 21/07/2017 - 09:46

      Sounds like a good price, go for it

    • KingJuf on 21/07/2017 - 09:54

      I would definitely go for it, I just did the alternator on my Tarago which has the same engine as the Camry. Not a hard job but if its a $50 labour charge it is not worth DIY.

  • The tiger on 21/07/2017 - 09:22

    Toyota Camary always has problem with its aliernator, I wonder why. Mine too. I went to a friendly garage nearby and the mechanic recommend a rec one. Cheap and he fixed for me easily

  • Cynicaloflife on 21/07/2017 - 17:01

    Thanks guys. So am going to get racv to tow my car to Toyots r us and get an alternator installed for $215. It comes with warranty too.

  • The tiger on 22/07/2017 - 08:14

    Why not?$215.00 by Toyota appears more reasonable and you got the warranty too. Think you would a free tow from RACV. Go ahead, mate.

    • Cynicaloflife on 22/07/2017 - 11:25

      Well it's not by Toyota dealer. Dealer would be more expensive.

      It's by a mechanic who used the reconditioned Bosch oem alternator. Tow was free by racv.

      Does come with 2-3 months warranty

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