Alternator Replacement - Toyota & Lexus V6
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Here's how to diagnose and replace an alternator on a longitudinally mounted Toyota or Lexus V6 engine.
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery in a vehicle's electrical system. The battery powers up all the electronics, and most importantly, fires the spark across each spark plug to keep the engine running.
Typical symptoms of a failing alternator include, the battery light illuminating on the dashboard, consistently low battery voltage at startup, the battery voltage reading below 14.2V at idle or 13.8V under load, a burning smell or whirring sound near or around the alternator, flaky or intermittent electrical system operation (lights, instruments, radio, HVAC, accessories) or the loss of electric power steering.
In this video, a quick diagnostics using a multimeter is performed on a 2007 Lexus GS350 (2GR-FSE 3.5L V6 engine) with a failing alternator and battery. The procedure to remove the alternator is then demonstrated.
Starting with removing the engine covers, the coolant jug and air intake duct are removed to gain access to the front of the engine. The accessory belt is removed, followed by two 14mm mounting bolts that hold the alternator to the engine block.
The final nut sits on a stud in the engine block and holds the back of the alternator through a bracket to the engine block, underneath the exhaust manifold. This nut is the most tricky part of the job, as it is not visible from above, so a camera or mirror must be used to locate the nut.
Access is generally tight along side the alternator against a wiring harness, the ECU (fender side), and the AC compressor down below. The manual calls for removal of the AC compressor first, however that it is not necessary, as the alternator can be maneuvered around the AC lines carefully.
Tools required include a 3/8" ratchet, 1" and 3" extensions, various sockets (10mm, 12mm, 14mm), a 10mm wrench (ratcheting type works best), breaker bar, and an internal torx socket to transfer the alternator stud.
For this replacement, a Gates alternator belt, Remy re-manufactured alternator and Motomaster Eliminator battery were used as replacement parts.
This DIY tutorial is applicable to the Lexus IS250, IS350, IS300, GS350, GS300, GS450h, but will be similar for Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, Crown, Mark X, FJ Cruiser and Hilux.
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THis is one of the very best instructional vids I have watched to date. No nonsense about things that don't count.
Thank you so much. Mine destroyed itself so bad it sucked the battery dry in very short order. Thanks to you, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
You are welcome. Now I'm replacing the alternator on a Mazda 3
Hey dude, thanks for this awesome video. I watched it probably 40 times over the course of the week I spent replacing my alternator. Every part of this was so helpful. Big props to you for putting this together. Thanks so much.
Man, this video just saved me a $1000. I changed it Sunday with very little problems. The only hard part was that bracket and bolt that’s in the back. I’m back rolling now. Great video. Thanks again!!!
Glad it helped
Thanks soooo much
I just had the same symptoms on my 07 GS 350 while driving. your guide is just perfect - i love you for that.
My Lexus just has 120k miles on it and the first alternator.
Best Alternator replacement guide so far. Thank you for putting in the effort to film it!
Wow, thanks!
Thank you. Your video was helpful when I replaced the alt. on my 07 GS350. Of course the hardest part was the rear bolt. The thing that helped the most was to place form padding across the top of the engine and lay on top of it. This allowed my left arm & hand to the correct angle to fit easily down the hole and access the stud / nut with a deep 12mm socket & 3” extension to remove / reinstall the nut.
Thanks for taking the time to post your video.
Man! You have no idea how much your video helped me with installing the alternator on my 08 Lexus GS 350 AWD. All of your tips on camera work were spot on. Thank you kind Sir!
+Arthur McCoy awesome! I'm glad it helped. For the AWD did you have to loosen the compressor, or were you able to wiggle it out ?
speedkar99 No need to loosen the compressor. Once I removed the wire bracket on the right side,(10mm bolt), I was able to wiggle her out pretty easily.
+Arthur McCoy good to know, I read it's much harder on the AWD on the forums
Soooo much better than the other videos on this topic, one of which removed the entire ECU! BZ
THis is the best video I've found for this particular job. THANKS !
You are welcome. 😊
I had to replace the alternator on my 2008 IS250 and there's no way I would've been able to do it without the help of this video. Thank you!
For anybody working on an IS250, you'll need to remove the radiator fan to make room for the alternator (which is not too hard to remove since it's not bolted to anything, just held in with tabs at the top. And I recommend removing the air filter box to make removing the radiator fan easier.).
of all the lexus is250 alternator replacement videos I've seen, this one by far is the best. The way other videos skip through important parts like how to reinstall that annoying back bolt or just fast forwarded was so annoying. Dude, you win. Thank you so much. I already changed mine yesterday but just left that bottom bolt uninstalled. I need to get that on soon.
i think that's a GS
btw, did you have to remove that stud above the alternator ? I've seen multiple other vids mentioning that it's in the way while removing the alternator.
This video and the write up on ClubLexus were both very helpful! Couldn't have done it without this; never would have found the back bracket and would've had to pay the dealer. Thank you!! 2007 GS350 AWD. No issue getting the alternator off and back on with the AC compressor in place. Plenty of other issues getting everything put back together in tight quarters...
Thanks for the feedback on the AWD model, I heard on those it's a bit more difficult. Glad the video helped!
This along with your forum write up saved me a good chunk of $, thank you! 07 AWD here and I didnt have to touch the compressor either or anything else for that matter. All went as smoothly as this video shows
Thanks. It's been so long since I've been on the forums!
Awesome explanation and video showing where all the bolts and connections are. Thanks for sharing! Best instructional video on the internet, thank you!
This video was by far the best I saw in my research. No offense to others at all but the little nuggets given made this easier. I would like to add that if you get a flexible light, you can position it where you can see that bolt behind the alternator. It helped me exponentially in getting the nut out and place it back on. Patience was key.
I just did this followed your video for my 2007 GS 350 RWD. I used the Ridgid micro CA-150 inspection camera from Home Depot. Helps a lot to see what you are trying to get out and put back in and the tip of using the tape is worth the video in my opinion. Great video and keep em coming.
Thanks and I'm glad it helped. Enjoy your GS
Thank. You man this the only video that didnt try to pull out the hole ecu box ir the radiator fan such a big help just put mine in big props homie
Wished I would have seen this video earlier. Was stranded yesterday by the alternator giving out - was puzzled by all the light going up like a Christmas tree earlier. Had to buy a new battery just to make it to a shop a few blocks away. New battery + replacement alternator and labor came out to about $900. Would have save a few hundreds had I did it myself. Anyway, very good vid on how to DIY. Side note, another shop wanted 5 hours labor to do this relatively straight forward job - unbelievable.
Extremely well done I really like how you edited it but yet kept everything pertinent and I like the little trick to keep the bolt on the socket from losing it
Thanks I'm glad you appreciate my video
Good job man, for completing a pain in the ass job like that while taking a video of the whole process.
Thanks and yeah things get tight
Absolute best video for removing the alternator on this car.
My 2015 Toyota Highlander is having a bad alternator. This video gives me a clue ! Thank you.
Measure it first then change it
Awesome video. Was almost exactly the same on a 2014 GS350. Made the job a lot quicker as that bracket on the bottom is hard to see.
Yes the 4th gen GS is the same mechanically
@@speedkar99 Your vids are awesome. I learned as much from your great editing as I did the job.
Any suggestions where to buy a new alternator? I have a 2010 lexus 350gs
I replaced mine, thanks to your video. The tape and the magnetic were a must for this job ! 👍
Yep agreed, you don't want any fasteners falling down
Muchas gracias por este video, solucionó lo que nadie pudo. Muchas Gracias desde Chile 🇨🇱
Thanks so much for the great video !!!!!! Did my 2010 lexus gs350 and had no issue
My 2010 350gs was fading at a red light had enough power to pull into a walmart and park and call a tow truck..all the lights on the dash came on steering wheel locked!.. where did you buy or have any suggestions best place to buy a new alternator?..
@@IceESolewhat brand u get?
Great video, just what I needed to do my Lexus alternator. Thank You
Your toothbrush always cracks me up. :)
+luis amoa haha
It's not his. It's his brother's. And he almost melted it on the hot alternator.
That was a great video, and you describing the step by step breakdown and replacing the alternator was spot on
Thanks
Wooow what a great video, I watched a video where the guy pulled out the fans to pull the alternator out, so I followed his steps. I watched a few different videos and his method seemed the best but I wish this video popped up at the top. Very useful for anyone that has to do this one. I definitely liked that tape on that back nut, I dropped it a few times and it really got me frustrated. Great video man! 👍🏽
One of the best instructional UA-cam videos I’ve seen. Really made it possible for me to perform this replacement alternator. Thank you!
Glad it helped. What vehicle?
@@speedkar99 2006 Lexus GS 300
Great video. Well explained. Love the tooth brush!
Thanks to my brothers teach-brush
Very thorough and detailed video - excellent job!
Thank you. Haven't done it yet due to car being on side of road but once I get it home this will help out alot! Seems easy enough. I will probably buy a new idler pully as well!
Great video once again! 😀 That's a clever trick about using tape to hold a bolt onto a socket--I'll have to remember that one. 👍
+Christopher McColm thanks- definitely a tip you should use if you don't want to be hunting for nuts at the bottom of your engine bay when they fall!
Such a great tip with the tape and nut now I'm definitely going to utilized this tip in my future automotive repair endeavors.
Oh yeah...don't want to be loosing a nut in this engine bay
It's a great, crystal clear, and detail video. Thanks
You are welcome
A great detail vid in less than nine minutes. Thank you!
You are welcome
Thanks a lot for the video, helped a ton on my IS250!
This is the best Toyota V6 Alternator video. Thanks
Very good video that I had much use of today - thank you!
On my IS250 RWD 2008 there are a few differences with the radiator. There was not enough space between the electric fan and the engine to get the alternator out. I contemplated removing the radiator, but there's a hard line thin radiator sandwiched in front (Aircon?), so I didn't want to disconnect it. Instead I sawed (!) away part of the cage for the fan and disconnected the top radiator hose. That gave me the space needed to get the alternator out. 🙃
Thanks for the update, glad my video helped. That alternator is in a tough spot with the computer and compressor so closeby
Hi, this is the best video I ran across on removing the alternator … it seems easy for you to remove the connector … I have having a heck of a time and still cannot unplug that thing. Is there a trick on how to remove the connectors? Is there a “latch” that must be pressed? Thanks for the awesome video!
OUTSTANDING DIY video!!! Thanks so much for all the details to this replacement!
That is hell of some places for those nuts. Fixing a car by our own is really satisfying 😍
+Midhun Mohan agreed! That bracket doesn't look like it's needed to be honest.
Thank you Bro this video help me a lot on my 2007 Lexus GS350 changing my alternator big thank you.
You are welcome
Awesome job man I’m literally been trying this for hrs ur video got me through thanks
Best video I've seen
thank you for the camera work and the very detailed walk through 🙂
You are welcome. Glad it helped
Awesome tips!!!! I fought an hour trying to pull the bolt that goes through bracket into altenator
Your the best 😊😊😊😊
I sure am 💪
242k on the old a lternator, it had a good life
You’re one of the best on UA-cam!!!
I wish but thanks
I'm the fat neighbor guy looking over your shoulder and drinking a beer. LOL.
+notsoserious09 haha! sorry bud I only work on my own cars 😉
The taped on bolt was genius.
+Imteyaz Yousuf it's a good trick...I learned the hard way
That’s what I love about this guys channel. Always has a good trick up his sleeve.
+charls seal thanks
Backyard mechanic gotta make do eh
Battery light came on and off on my 2008 GS350 for a few weeks, but becoming on more frequent and longer overtime. Voltage was on low end of spec (13.7 just after start, and 13.3v when warmed up, 12.6v with heavy load), so it was still charging. I used a cheap Amazon video scope connected to my phone so I can put the socket on the stud in one try. In place of the tape, I simply used a small piece of paper towel between the nut and socket.
Thanks for the tip
Yup, this is the best video for this job, and I think I’ve watched them all. The biggest pain was pulling that electrical plug out and that 10mm on the side fir the bracket that I was unaware of till I came across it (this is the only vid to show it)
Glad it helped.
Thanks. This helped me HEAPS with that annoying hidden bolt
Thank you for your video, I did it on a 2008 IS350, had to remove the upper radiator hose as well but pretty much the same process, the 12mm nut behind was put there by the devil himself, but with a magnetic socket wasn't that bad, lots of scratches on the arm tho.
Magnet socket is even better than the magnet I used
Thanks your a gentleman in the scholar
You are welcome
Dude this is amazing and the details is great!
You are welcome
Just did mine today thanks to you👍
The thread for the top right bolt had to wedged back to slip it in position but all good #Cheers
One I pulled was a Jaylec, cars only done 202000 kms
Amazing photography.
Thanks
A lil grease in the socket is another way to help hold a nut
So much rust. I'm now grateful my 99 camry only has surface rust maybe. Great video. Dont ever get rid of that toothbrush
+Razz Raccoon thanks- we live in Canada, everything has a coat of rust due to salt in winter.
Razz Raccoon I have a 99 Camry too! 17 years with it.... 277k miles, never had any major problems, original alternator, starter, AC parts, only replace radiator, cooling fans, belts (timing and water pump), few hoses, tie rod ends, recently idle air control valve and wash out throttle body off car... That's about it!!! Always a South Florida car, no rust...
+Gringo Louco Awesome! Camrys are great cars, is yours a v6?
Great video. Can I ask what the part number was for the alternator? My 2006 3.5 v6 Toyota crown has just had the same symptoms
Man I tried to double subscribe!! Superb DIY videos sir!!! Absolutely spot on. Thank you 🙏 so much! I feel super confident to do this job. Keep it up!!
What a great video man, very straight forward n to the point 👍🏼
Excellent video sir. I will be using your video to do the work myself this sat. How long did it take you from beginning to end?
awesome video...big help for me...by the way is that a 4GR-FSE engine ?
2GR
@@speedkar99 I drive a Toyota Mark X that has a 4GR-FSE engine.....they pretty much look almost identical so i guess this video can work for when my alternator goes bad...awesome video many thanks and island greetigns from the Caribbean :) !!!
Made it easy to understand 👍👍good job
Thanks!
@@speedkar99 I have a question for you where could I send you a photo or video
Ah yeah! I miss your how-to-fix-it videos!
+Nathaniel D. Thanks, your going to see a mix of how to and how stuff works this year, bringing back some of the old.
One of the best DIY instructional video, much appreciated. Do I need to do a “clear diagnostics” process, i.e. Toyota Techstream, post alternator installation?
Thanks for the video. This is really helpful!
Glad it helped!
Dude!! Your a beast man!!! Love your talent and knowledge.
+Tony Montega thanks for the kind feedback
Great video/instructor as always!
+Jammer P thanks very much
Thank you this was a big help
Never watched one of your videos before but your toothbrush is making me go crazy XD
Haha love that little guy
Nice. Those hidden bolts are a pita.
+Craig Cundiff yes it's really tight along the side of the alternator. I don't see the point of that bracket
I have a 06 lexus is250 i went to autozone and replaced my battery but they told my altenator was bad but my car start right up with the new battery and dont give me none of those signals....thats means the altenator is good than right???
Gonna attempt to do my is250 tomorrow. Looks easy in video but always have trouble doing it myself.
All the best
speedkar99 thanks so much for the video!! Got it done and all fixed up! =)
I like that tape trick!
+Luke Martin it's either that or my brother's magnet. 😉
Sharing some info 3 years after this vid:
Same problem on my 2007 IS300 at 130k miles.
It seems that Lexus has tuned those alternators to fail after 100k miles.
Same thing with my engine starter, it failed at 110k miles. Same with my friend's LS460.
So if you are a Lexus owner, you know when to expect those fails.
Thanks for the good video. Mine is 2006 GS300 AWD, alternator is still working fine but I guess the clock is ticking.
Yes...mine went around 240kms
Does your 3.0L v6 burn oil?
@@speedkar99 burning oil you betcha! :) 1 Ltr per 1K km. I'm thinking of doing the upper engine carbon cleaning Lexus TSB# L-SB-0030-10 and see if it would somewhat free up the piston rings, which is known to causes the oil loss. I'm going to change the spark plugs soon and will do that TSB while the plugs are out. If that works I'd go on and have a walnut blasting done to the intake valves.
My alternator bracket bolt under the headers is stripped, but after watching this vid, you saved my ass, there is a bolt on the bracket on alternator
That would be a tough nut to get to!
Cheers for the Video dude. Been working on my brother's 2010 toyota crown right hand drive.
But same motor and similar layout. That hidden nut had us stuffed. Even after removing everything. It was still a mission to get out.
Toyota alternators are absolute rubbish. When to the auto sparky he had rows of them needing new rectifiers and clutches. After 80,000ks they just fail.
You'd think toyota engineers would allow more room. I use to think Toyota were reliable and easy to fix. Guess I won't bother buying new Toyota's. If that's how they design stuff now.
Super awesome video. Excellent. Just bought a 2007 Lexus GS350 so this video is for that year? Thank you. JC
Awesome, thx for the great video, was a huge help!!!!! Lost that tiny hidden screw somewhere in the black hole of the car...do you think it would be a big deal to let it without that screw?
@speedkar can you make a video showing how to change the tensioner pulley & water pump for this same car???
Excellent video. You may know / have now but koken nut grip sockets almost eliminate the need for magnetic tools. Just saying for others.
I can confirm same process is for 2009 Lexus is250👍🏻
Can you please tell me what kind of adapter and wrench you're using to remove that hidden bolt!!!!
Please don’t laugh at me it took me 12hrs to do this job today🤦♂️ things didn’t go smooth as planned, the behind nut was pain in the a$$ i accidentally removed different nut 12mm was just right next to the one I should be removing and still didn’t put it back, and finally I removed the back one that holed the alternator, but still didn’t figure it out what was the nut that I accidentally Removed it🤔🤷🏽♂️, it was right next to the back alternator nut But anyway I took some video so maybe later I can put it back, I also didn’t put back the 12mm but that hole the alternator not sure that might effect anything down the road ? But if I didn’t get any check engine light or something 🤞🏽I’ll leave everything as is, i test drive the car afterward everything seems good so far. Thanks again man for this beautiful video 👍🏼
Might have been an exhaust manifold bolt
Do you.... Have to put that bracket back in. It seems almost necessary let me know because I'm about to have to do this job on my IS350
The battery light came on when the alternator shit on my 2000 Corolla while i was on the way to pay my rent, it got me there and back again, mind this was during the day and I didn't have to use the lights. Started to run really shitty for the last couple of miles though.
$66 ebay alternator FtW! It's been on there since 2014 and i like to redline the engine like an idiot, and it hasn't complained once. Beater car best car!
+John awesome! Corollas are too simple.
Very informative! Great job!
Thanks
Well explained video & very helpful sir thank you for you time
Your welcome
Thank god for your brother's magnet! And who knew Toyota design could be so bad?!
+paulparoma yes the magnet definitely helped, thanks to my brother
Evidently, it pays to have wealthy siblings.;)
A really informative video nicely done and good explanation
Great video....you made it look easy!!!
Thanks for your help!