Editing Toyota maintenance (section)

===Drained the battery, July 2016===
Left the lights on and drained the battery.  Jump started it and drove it home thinking the alternator would charge it, but it made some bad smell instead.
Got home and charged it with a battery charger, but it doesn't hold a charge longer than a day.

Took it to Les Schwabb and they said the battery was under warranty, but was still good.  The alternator had "excessive ripple" though. So I should probably replace the alternator.  I don't understand what is draining the battery.  Probably something shorted in the alternator, I suppose.

After googling for "excessive ripple", I find that it does indicate an alternator with bad diodes and is usually caused by trying to charge a battery back up from dead with the alternator instead of a battery charger.

Shopping for a new alternator online.  Used carparts.com.  Got a rebuilt alternator for $100.  Should get $20 back when I send in the old part.

<pre>
Part #: AC3341110
AC DELCO (REMANUFACTURED) OE REPLACEMENT ALTERNATORS


Alternator Corolla
AC Delco
Qty: 1.00
Price: $ 71.51
</pre>

Eventually got around to installing the new alternator Sep 9.

The battery had discharged a little, but was still at 12.8 volts without load.  When I turned on the lights, it dropped to 11.9 volts, so I hooked it back up to the charger to prevent damaging the alternator immediately after installation.

Installing really is pretty easy.  Two electrical connections and two bolts to hold the alternator in position against the belt.

I aimed for the belt only deflecting a half inch after installation, since I don't have a belt tensioner.

The battery took a few attempts at recharging before it recovered but with the new alternator things are working again.
Here are the troubleshooting tips from the alternator supplier:

[[Image:Alternator-troubleshooting.jpg|600px]]