CHR Hybrid Generator Fault Suspected

I've got a 2016 Toyota CHR hybrid with 83,782 km on the clock, and I suspect the generator is faulty. I'm experiencing reduced engine power, a warning light on the speedometer, and the car struggles to start sometimes. The lights are also weak and flickering. I hooked it up to a diagnostic tool and it's throwing generator error codes. Has anyone else encountered similar issues? Suspect it's the alternator, but wanted to check before I start replacing parts.

4 comment(s)

Sounds frustrating! I had a similar problem with my 2012 Opel Astra a while back. It presented with a voltage drop, causing all sorts of electrical gremlins. Did you check the voltage across the battery terminals while the engine is running? It should be around 14V. Also, inspect the serpentine belt for wear and tear; a slipping belt can definitely cause charging issues. I am not sure about the CHR Hybrid, but did you check the 12V battery? It might be worth to inspect the battery's general health before replacing the generator.

Thanks for the quick reply! I did a quick check on the battery voltage. It drops below 12V under load and sits around 12.4V when idle, so it appears to be alright. I also gave the belt a look and it looks fine. How did you eventually diagnose the alternator in your Astra? Any specific tests you performed?

I went through similar checks myself with the Astra. Battery seemed fine, belt was okay. Eventually, the car wouldn't start at all, and the diagnostics pointed definitively to the alternator. Given your symptoms and the error codes, plus the fact that you've eliminated some other potential causes, it strongly suggests the generator is the culprit. In my experience, it is better to take the car to a shop for further diagnosis before replacing expensive parts.

Thanks for confirming my suspicions! Based on your experience and my own checks, I'll take it to a workshop to replace the generator. The quote is around 960€, so hopefully that will solve it.

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