01/06/2026
I set out from Lagos, heading to Awka, Anambra State, to deliver a customer’s car — a 2007 Lexus RX350. Everything was fine, but just as I reached Asaba, Delta State, the car started acting up. A warning light came on — it was the battery/charging light, which meant the alternator wasn’t charging the battery. It was Sunday afternoon at about 1:00 pm.
I had to stop immediately to avoid the battery dying completely. I searched around and found an auto electrician, but unfortunately, because it was Sunday, most shops were closed, so it took a while to get someone to attend to me.
The electrician checked the alternator and confirmed it was faulty, but he couldn’t do the job because he was already heading out when I met him. I pleaded with him to direct me to a spare parts seller who dealt with alternators. Luckily, he called someone to confirm they were available, shared their contact with me, and left. I loosened and removed the faulty alternator myself, called the contact for directions to his shop, and then took a taxi down there.
Upon arrival, the parts seller turned out to be good at repairs too. He opened the alternator, and it was clearly visible that the cutout was damaged. He brought another one, fixed it, and tested it, but the alternator still didn’t work. He said the diode was also affected. Time was against me, and I couldn’t wait any longer because I intended to return to Lagos the same day by night bus. So I asked the parts seller for a quicker solution, and he said the only option was to replace it with a tokunbo alternator. I opted for a swap deal to reduce cost, and he agreed. I paid for the tokunbo alternator, went back to where I’d parked the car, fitted it, tested it, and confirmed that it was holding a charge. I then continued the journey to Awka, Anambra — but with extra caution — and arrived much later than planned.
It was stressful, especially with the delay and having to sort it out on a Sunday, but I’m grateful I didn’t get stranded on the expressway. The lesson for me: always check the alternator and battery before long trips, and don’t ignore warning lights. TOYOTA Toyota Nigeria Limited Toyota USA
