I noticed that when I'm driving my car when it gets to about 3 grand the volt meter pegs. I don't know if this is normal but it seems weird to be running 16volts all the time at 3 grand and up? Is this normal?

 

Anyone?

 

Usually there's a voltage limiter that restricts the output of your alternator. If you're constantly churning out higher than 13 V I'd say the limiter was pooched.

 

So should I not drive it until it's fixed or what?

 

does your batttery get hotter than usual? or lights brighter? if so check out your charging system. if not look closer at the gauge.

peace

 

I would say this is not normal. Best to check with a known quality meter. Hook up and then check voltage.
If it still pegs, regulator going wide open for some reason..

 

But what about driving it lol I need to get to the store to buy oil heh.

 

Also where would this regulator be located?

 

check the earth strap on the engine and the negtive battery connection ... both can cause the regulator to not funcction correctly .. the regulator is built into the back of the alternator along with the brushes and the connections for the wiring harness ...

Good luck

 

The regulator is built into the alternator.

Be careful driving, as overcharging is as bad for your battery as it is for your wallet


(okay, I couldn't resist the pun)

 

lol manntis I've had the car less than a week and alrdy spent a good amount on it lol. Thanks for the info.

 

seriously though, overcharging a battery can actually make the electrolyte boil and spew all over your engine compartment. Battery acid isn't nice at best of times, and the boiling variety is particularely grumpy.

 

a picture is worth a thousand words ... the regulator is the bit at the back of the alternator ... I'm not sure if you can take it appart and replace it or if you have to buy the whole thing IF it is bad ?

 

Ok I went out and looked at the car all the plugs on the alternator are on there. I don't have a volt meter here. Also where should my engine ground wire be?

 

I think its near the starter ... you can see the black and yellow earth lead on my car continues round towards the starter are ... bottom rightish of the photo

 

Just to clarify what has been said... 81 models and up have an internal regulator while 79 and 80 have it mounted on the fender.

 

actually i believe just the 79's had the external.

 

Ok so I checked the negative hookup to the motor like you said it's fine. I read in the haynes or whatever it is manual I have. That to check the alternator on the interal regulator ones you need special stuff? What do I need? This is another reason I hate electrical stuff lol.

 

you should be able to get it tested for free at most autoparts stores. Make sure the techs know what they're doing though. Many just hook it up, wait for you to windowshop for a while, then tell you your alternator is crapped out.