Toyota Repair: TOYOTA TOWNACE, light the fuse, combo meter

Question
Hello Mike,
I am a Marine stationed in Okinawa and the owner of a 1991 Townace.  GOod van!  
BACKGROUND:  Between my wife and two children, the driver door and slider have been left open on numerous occassions, forcing me to jump start the dead battery.  It has always come back strong and held a charge.  The battery is about 3 and 1/2 years old.  Today the battery, radiator and oil lights came on while driving to work.  When I got to work I noticed a decrease in accessory power.  I new the battery was going fast.  Two days ago, I had to perform another jump.  Before leaving for home, I the battery was shot.  I was able to jump it though and drive without incident (just no accessories).  I have replaced the battery and it runs great now.  All back to normal with one exception.  The aforementioned lights remain on.  Is there a reset switch somewhere? I am fairly certain the alternator is fine and I know the oil and water are good.
Thank you for your time,
Semper Fidelis,
Confused Toyota Owner on the Rock,
Woody Biggs


Answer
Woody,
First and formost, THANK YOU for serving and defending  our country.
The lights are an indication that the vehicle is not charging. When normal the alt puts 12 volt to the wire that goes to the light. The fuse puts 12v to the other side of the light so it remains out. (no ground)
When the alt does not charge the wire is grounded in the Alt. and lights the light. The other lights on the dash light because the voltage bleeds thru the combo meter. (design flaw)
So... Check charge voltage, should be 12.8-14.2.
If the alt is not charging it probably just needs brushes. you can take the back of the alt off and put new brushes in it way cheaper than a rebuilt you probably dont need.
Available at any toyota dealer.
For the future. you may want to have the side door wired to a relay or an ACC fuse, so if the key is out , the light is out, and you dont keep killing the battery.


GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Mike