I hear its a common issue. I think they packed in too many electronics and just didn't compensate with proper amp delivery. That big battery and high output alternator have completely solved all of my issues. I added an aftermarket android head unit and have still had no issues at all. Im glad my video helped someone out. Good luck with your toyota!!!
After working on my 2003 Toyota Avalon for months, I finally figured out what was causing the headlights and interior lights to pulsate/flicker. The voltage across my battery terminals measured anywhere from 13.3 to 15.3 volts when the car was running, and this should not be the case. The voltage should be very steady, around 14.1 to 14.3 volts. It was the voltage regulator in the alternator that was causing the problem. I removed the aftermarket alternator from the vehicle and had it bench tested at two different auto parts stores, and both said that it tested out good, and satisfied all of their test parameters and test requirements. I then went to a junkyard and pulled an OEM 2003 Avalon alternator from a junked car. I also had it bench tested at one of the same auto stores, and when they ran it it said “failed” during the first attempt to test it. When another guy set it up and re-tested it, it came out “good”. A second re-test also showed that it was good. I mounted it in my car and the flickering was immediately GONE. So the bench testing was not able to isolate a voltage regulator that was going bad. And apparently some of the brand new voltage regulators that are being installed in alternators today are defective right out of the box! Since the test stands at these auto parts stores are unable to identify a wonky regulator, you’re left with the impression that the one you bought is good although it might be bad. This can lead to a lot of confusion. Several years after making the repair the problem is still solved.
Great video. I also have the issue on my 2001 Avalon XLS. Worse when it is cold outside and interior lights most noticable, but all of my lights flicker. I was told to put a 130 amp battery off of a Highlander on there and it would resolve my issue, but it didn't, at least not that I can yet tell. Maybe my battery will just need to charge more, but will definitely try this if it doesn't work. Apparently a common issue on these cars.
Thanks for commenting! I hope you get your issues resolved. Changing the bulbs really helped mine. I think Toyota ran a long circuit with a big amp draw. It's a poor design. The LED headlights and taillights made the biggest difference on mine. I figured the interior lighting would hurt, so I did those too. Let me know if you have any luck.
Some people are saying bad ground connections so I would check that. Careful with the higher output alternator as it's only recommended when the wiring is being upgraded too. Thanks for the ideas.
Problem is solved. No bad grounds. Alternator is running perfectly and I'm actually getting 2 mpg better fuel mileage with it. No need for upgraded wiring. The amp increase is significant, but those wires handle the load easily. Thanks for the comment.
Same thing with Orielly too, Walmart about 65% cheaper for same battery. I'm having everything pulsing off and on in my 2006 Avalon, will check the ground first before replacing the alternator.
Thank you for the comment! Please let me know if you find the issue. Since upgrading battery and lighting, I have had zero issues. I also upgraded the head unit and rear speaker. No issues.
Have an 01 Avalon. Same issue as described. Last owner put a 200 in but didn’t change out the battery. Wiring was completely fried. Is there anyway you could make a listing of all the things you replaced as well as how you ran the alternator wiring? Thanks in advance.
I replaced: Battery Alternator Head lights Tail lights All interior lighting Alternator is factory wired. Not sure how that guy fried everything. Can you describe whats damaged?
The B terminal was completely toasted and car would not start at all, for obvious reasons. I have since jumped the b back to the battery with a 4 gauge and that has held up fine for about 6 months. Today while heading home and the AC blasting, gotta love TX heat, the VSC, battery, and abs light came on at a stop light for a quick half second.
@@n_olech I'd check the ground from the Alternator to the chasis (or it may be grounded to the engine block). Clean up the chasis side ground and spray it with Fluid Film. Be sure your battery grounds are secured (with no gaps) and are not corroded. Im assuming electrical because the lights were momentary. However, that VSC light can mean lots of things. Start with electrical because you've had problems before. A loose, corroded or damaged chasis ground wire seems most likely to me.
@@GordoYoshi i have the same problem but i havent swapped my alt yet. both lights flicker but my passenger side light actually shuts off after about a minute of being on, driver side flickers but stays on. ive been suggested a few things but ima change the cheap things first (fuses, blinker control switch, headlight bulb assembly) before I shell out the cash for the Alternator.
@@amirah669 No..i gave up ive come to believe its the heated A/F sensors drawing to many amps,im at a loss..but i haven't tried a 130 amp alternator is only thing left to attempt I've noticed some people have tried it some said it helped and some said it was still there so i dont know lol
Thank you. You might know this but there are MANY PEOPLE complaining on yt about early avalons flickering. All lights. Slightly. Like me.
I hear its a common issue. I think they packed in too many electronics and just didn't compensate with proper amp delivery. That big battery and high output alternator have completely solved all of my issues. I added an aftermarket android head unit and have still had no issues at all. Im glad my video helped someone out. Good luck with your toyota!!!
Thank you are a god couldn’t find out what was wrong with my 2000 and I love it
I'm glad you will be able to fix it. Good luck and thanks for commenting.
After working on my 2003 Toyota Avalon for months, I finally figured out what was causing the headlights and interior lights to pulsate/flicker. The voltage across my battery terminals measured anywhere from 13.3 to 15.3 volts when the car was running, and this should not be the case. The voltage should be very steady, around 14.1 to 14.3 volts. It was the voltage regulator in the alternator that was causing the problem. I removed the aftermarket alternator from the vehicle and had it bench tested at two different auto parts stores, and both said that it tested out good, and satisfied all of their test parameters and test requirements. I then went to a junkyard and pulled an OEM 2003 Avalon alternator from a junked car. I also had it bench tested at one of the same auto stores, and when they ran it it said “failed” during the first attempt to test it. When another guy set it up and re-tested it, it came out “good”. A second re-test also showed that it was good. I mounted it in my car and the flickering was immediately GONE. So the bench testing was not able to isolate a voltage regulator that was going bad. And apparently some of the brand new voltage regulators that are being installed in alternators today are defective right out of the box! Since the test stands at these auto parts stores are unable to identify a wonky regulator, you’re left with the impression that the one you bought is good although it might be bad. This can lead to a lot of confusion. Several years after making the repair the problem is still solved.
Great video. I also have the issue on my 2001 Avalon XLS. Worse when it is cold outside and interior lights most noticable, but all of my lights flicker. I was told to put a 130 amp battery off of a Highlander on there and it would resolve my issue, but it didn't, at least not that I can yet tell. Maybe my battery will just need to charge more, but will definitely try this if it doesn't work. Apparently a common issue on these cars.
Thanks for commenting! I hope you get your issues resolved. Changing the bulbs really helped mine. I think Toyota ran a long circuit with a big amp draw. It's a poor design. The LED headlights and taillights made the biggest difference on mine. I figured the interior lighting would hurt, so I did those too. Let me know if you have any luck.
Some people are saying bad ground connections so I would check that. Careful with the higher output alternator as it's only recommended when the wiring is being upgraded too. Thanks for the ideas.
Problem is solved. No bad grounds. Alternator is running perfectly and I'm actually getting 2 mpg better fuel mileage with it. No need for upgraded wiring. The amp increase is significant, but those wires handle the load easily. Thanks for the comment.
Same thing with Orielly too, Walmart about 65% cheaper for same battery. I'm having everything pulsing off and on in my 2006 Avalon, will check the ground first before replacing the alternator.
Thank you for the comment! Please let me know if you find the issue. Since upgrading battery and lighting, I have had zero issues. I also upgraded the head unit and rear speaker. No issues.
Have an 01 Avalon. Same issue as described. Last owner put a 200 in but didn’t change out the battery. Wiring was completely fried. Is there anyway you could make a listing of all the things you replaced as well as how you ran the alternator wiring? Thanks in advance.
I replaced:
Battery
Alternator
Head lights
Tail lights
All interior lighting
Alternator is factory wired. Not sure how that guy fried everything. Can you describe whats damaged?
The B terminal was completely toasted and car would not start at all, for obvious reasons. I have since jumped the b back to the battery with a 4 gauge and that has held up fine for about 6 months. Today while heading home and the AC blasting, gotta love TX heat, the VSC, battery, and abs light came on at a stop light for a quick half second.
@@n_olech I'd check the ground from the Alternator to the chasis (or it may be grounded to the engine block). Clean up the chasis side ground and spray it with Fluid Film. Be sure your battery grounds are secured (with no gaps) and are not corroded. Im assuming electrical because the lights were momentary. However, that VSC light can mean lots of things. Start with electrical because you've had problems before. A loose, corroded or damaged chasis ground wire seems most likely to me.
It's just my headlights that flicker and the odometer....any thoughts?
Any solve problems? And can u check my video 03 avalon I think I have same problem with urs too
Where did you get the alternator
Ebay
I just got and avalon and the same issue i change the alt bat and even get a big 3 xoneccion por more amp movement and notjing !!
Did you get a 14F battery?
Yep
Even a change to a 200 amp !!
The fastest solution is turning off the carr and runnit again and the issue is like solve for the moment but I don't know why that issue is cause
@@GordoYoshi i have the same problem but i havent swapped my alt yet. both lights flicker but my passenger side light actually shuts off after about a minute of being on, driver side flickers but stays on. ive been suggested a few things but ima change the cheap things first (fuses, blinker control switch, headlight bulb assembly) before I shell out the cash for the Alternator.
So what's the solution?
The video details the solution.
03 Avalon here,same problem...
Did you find a solution? My 02 is doing the same
@@amirah669 No..i gave up ive come to believe its the heated A/F sensors drawing to many amps,im at a loss..but i haven't tried a 130 amp alternator is only thing left to attempt I've noticed some people have tried it some said it helped and some said it was still there so i dont know lol