Dead alternator

[black_panther Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close black_panther]

After some weird engine noise, this morning I had time to check under the bonnet. Found a green 40A fuse blown and the Main battery while engine idling 11.6V. I thought, after some readings, that it may be the alternator clutch pulley at fault, but when I removed it from the car and open the back black cover, one of the diodes was blown.
Apparently there are no rectifiers available for this model, the only option was to purchase a new alternator, $400 with 3 years warranty( I hope this one is good).
Why do they have such a short life, the car has only 98000km? Is this another weak point with this vehicle? First injectors, now alternator. What's next!

Chris

[NormallyHappy Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close NormallyHappy]

Chris 98000 seems short, mine lasted until 160000 before it stopped working.

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

After some weird engine noise, this morning I had time to check under the bonnet. Found a green 40A fuse blown and the Main battery while engine idling 11.6V. I thought, after some readings, that it may be the alternator clutch pulley at fault, but when I removed it from the car and open the back black cover, one of the diodes was blown.
Apparently there are no rectifiers available for this model, the only option was to purchase a new alternator, $400 with 3 years warranty( I hope this one is good).
Why do they have such a short life, the car has only 98000km? Is this another weak point with this vehicle? First injectors, now alternator. What's next!

Chris

I just started a 100,000k service on a 150 Prado, found the drivers side whel bearing with massive free play, the passenger side inner driveshaft joint very noisy & lots of play, lower contol arm bushes minced, so I'd say with of those 3 are likely if you are having a bad run. Although I do find these 3 uncommon, same with alternator failures.
But it does happen.