Can you add an Auxiliary Alternator to the iForce MAX Hybrid?

[vready]

The recent review of the 4Runner by Car Care Nut Mechanic mentioned that certain hybrid 4Runners (specifically, those with the pre-wired AUX port switches) include a traditional alternator that can serve as a backup in the event the hybrid motor can't charge the battery, and the vehicle essentially reverts to a non-hybrid.

If that's true, and the addition of an alternator provides increased redundancy/reliability, then it seems like a worthwhile upgrade to consider.

My questions are:

• Is the wiring for an alternator present on all 4Runners?
• Can you simply order and install an OEM alternator like this?
• Would the combined motor + alternator = higher amperage?
• Would an aftermarket high-output alternator be even better?

Interested to learn more about this...

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[Chris_4Runner]

I second that — I’d also really appreciate confirmation on which trims actually come equipped with the alternator. I'm still undecided on which trim to go with, or whether I should just opt for the LC250 instead. Also curious: does the LC250 come with an alternator?

 

[kzrman]

My thought is that the wiring would probably not be there as Toyota would probably want to save money and only include it when necessary.

 

[Roach011]

how on earth can we go about getting an answer to this question? Other forums i've been on have a master tech that will generally field these questions.....Bueller?

 

[kzrman]

how on earth can we go about getting an answer to this question? Other forums i've been on have a master tech that will generally field these questions.....Bueller?

To the best of my knowledge only hybrid 4Runners equipped with the optional auxiliary switches (TRD Pro and Trailhunter) come with the alternator and its associated wiring. Non-hybrid models have a traditional alternator as standard, but most hybrid models without AUX switches rely solely on the hybrid system's DC-DC converter for 12V power.

 

[kzrman]

I second that — I’d also really appreciate confirmation on which trims actually come equipped with the alternator. I'm still undecided on which trim to go with, or whether I should just opt for the LC250 instead. Also curious: does the LC250 come with an alternator?

The Land Cruiser doesn’t have an alternator.

 

[Roach011]

To the best of my knowledge only hybrid 4Runners equipped with the optional auxiliary switches come with the alternator and its associated wiring. Non-hybrid models have a traditional alternator as standard, but most hybrid models without AUX switches rely solely on the hybrid system's DC-DC converter for 12V power.

Is that the same as the tacoma?

 

[kzrman]

Is that the same as the tacoma?

Yes, I believe that it is.

 

[JRunner]

Hey this is an older thread but I can confirm that the Off Road Premium trim in Canada comes with the aux switches and alternator.

 

[ricelX]

It wouldn’t be a question of wiring. That’s ’relatively’ easy to install with the right diagrams. If you go with the aux upgrade I believe they also include the alternator for when you run fridges and lights.

The question is, does the stock EVU support an alternator if we were to choose to retrofit it.

 

[Nodak]

and for the hybrid w/o the aux switches, the 12v battery is mostly to keep power to modules and systems that need 12v power constantly.

usually the 12v battery is charge via the hybrid battery, hence no need for an alternator.

also the hybrid battery during normal use is never depleted or charged to 100%

typically i think if i remember correctly toyota only charges to around 85% but displays it as 100% so i am guessing they only show 0% when you get close to maybe 20% actual capacity since normal long term longevity for batteries is the only to keep batteries between 20% - 80% and to never charge to 100% or let it get below 20% of actual

 

[kekecarioca]

Hey this is an older thread but I can confirm that the Off Road Premium trim in Canada comes with the aux switches and alternator.

It's totally worth the $400 usd upgrade in my book. I ended up with a TH after all and it has Aux and alternator baked in.

 

[ricelX]

It's totally worth the $400 usd upgrade in my book. I ended up with a TH after all and it has Aux and alternator baked in.

pissed I didn’t do the upgrade in my OPR. Thought it could have been a simple upgrade later on.

 

[Dead Horse]

So after going down this rabbit hole a bit a couple of times, I've learned a couple of things that may or may not be of use.

1. There are ZERO 4Runner ORP Hybrids with the aux switches anywhere in the GST region. Some other regions that have them have ZERO 4Runner ORP hybrids with the tow package. It's bizarre.

2. The Tacoma OR with the identical hybrid/max engine and the aux switches does not appear to have an alternator. I guess that makes the case that adding the switches might not be as difficult as originally thought. Oh yeah...The TRD Pro Taco does have an alternator.

 

[MikeD]

So after going down this rabbit hole a bit a couple of times, I've learned a couple of things that may or may not be of use.

1. There are ZERO 4Runner ORP Hybrids with the aux switches anywhere in the GST region. Some other regions that have them have ZERO 4Runner ORP hybrids with the tow package. It's bizarre.

FWIW my ORP has both the tow package and the aux switches (only other optional item is the moonroof). I knew I wanted the tow package and moon roof. Didn’t know I wanted the aux switches but now that I have them I’m looking to add some lights or something that takes advantage of it. But if not for this forum I wouldn‘t know that the silly $400 aux switch option that I did not know i wanted also comes with an alternator.
But I don’t KNOW I have the alternator because I’ve never actually seen it. Where should I look?

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