OVER voltage on my '88 FC3C...
03-22-11, 04:46 PM
#1
Zenki kooky.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SoMa, SF
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OVER voltage on my '88 FC3C...
Hi all. Searched but didn't find anything on this...
My 'vert was acting weird today, so I looked down and noticed the voltmeter was (almost?) pegged at 16+ volts.
I turned on the headlights and fan and got it down to normal, then drove straight home, but something is very wrong.
I'm thinking alternator (AGAIN!), but both the alternator and battery are virtually new, (as well as the starter.)
I do have a ridiculous aftermarket sound system and HID headlights that seem to tax the electrical, but can anyone clue me in to what causes such an over-voltage condition?
Thanks for any insights in advance...
My 'vert was acting weird today, so I looked down and noticed the voltmeter was (almost?) pegged at 16+ volts.
I turned on the headlights and fan and got it down to normal, then drove straight home, but something is very wrong.
I'm thinking alternator (AGAIN!), but both the alternator and battery are virtually new, (as well as the starter.)
I do have a ridiculous aftermarket sound system and HID headlights that seem to tax the electrical, but can anyone clue me in to what causes such an over-voltage condition?
Thanks for any insights in advance...
03-22-11, 05:45 PM
#3
Zenki kooky.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SoMa, SF
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I figured there must be a voltage regulator in there somewhere, and assumed it was going to be IN the alternator.
I'm clearly overtaxing the alternator, and have yet to figure what higher output model is affordable and fits...
In the meantime, will check the FSM.
03-22-11, 06:17 PM
#4
Rotary Freak
Make sure the two wire, small plug is connected to the ALT.
Key ON......engine OFF.........pull the small plug off the alt and see if there is batt voltage on both wires in the small plug.
IF that's so......reconnect the small plug and backprobe the White/Black wire in that plug. Should read approx 3vdc with the plug connected to the alt and key ON engine off.
See how that goes for you. Your alt is not regulating as mentioned before. The White/Black NEEDS to be connected to the alt and should show the 3vdc I mentioned above.
Key ON......engine OFF.........pull the small plug off the alt and see if there is batt voltage on both wires in the small plug.
IF that's so......reconnect the small plug and backprobe the White/Black wire in that plug. Should read approx 3vdc with the plug connected to the alt and key ON engine off.
See how that goes for you. Your alt is not regulating as mentioned before. The White/Black NEEDS to be connected to the alt and should show the 3vdc I mentioned above.
03-22-11, 07:17 PM
#5
Zenki kooky.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SoMa, SF
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Make sure the two wire, small plug is connected to the ALT.
Key ON......engine OFF.........pull the small plug off the alt and see if there is batt voltage on both wires in the small plug.
IF that's so......reconnect the small plug and backprobe the White/Black wire in that plug. Should read approx 3vdc with the plug connected to the alt and key ON engine off.
See how that goes for you. Your alt is not regulating as mentioned before. The White/Black NEEDS to be connected to the alt and should show the 3vdc I mentioned above.
Key ON......engine OFF.........pull the small plug off the alt and see if there is batt voltage on both wires in the small plug.
IF that's so......reconnect the small plug and backprobe the White/Black wire in that plug. Should read approx 3vdc with the plug connected to the alt and key ON engine off.
See how that goes for you. Your alt is not regulating as mentioned before. The White/Black NEEDS to be connected to the alt and should show the 3vdc I mentioned above.
Alt. got real HOT with engine running for 1 minute. Pulled Alt.
FOUND the receipt for the alt. (WOO-HOO!) Less than 3 months old.
Free swap for another at MacKenzie Auto Parts right nearby home, (they rock, everything IN STOCK.) Salesman asked if my battery started to boil. (!) It didn't (but I didn't let it, kept voltage down with fan/lights on till I got home.)
New alternator is in, works great!
But I'm sure I'll somehow manage to fry this one too soon as well...
RX7 Club rules.
Mackenzie Parts Warehouse in SF: http://mackenziewarehouse.com/
03-24-11, 03:56 PM
#7
Zenki kooky.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SoMa, SF
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I do have a large capacitor for the amps, but I believe I'm supposed to add a 2nd battery to make things more sympatico...
Trending Topics
03-24-11, 04:09 PM
#8
Vintage sportcars
Hello,
had the same problem a while back, alternator was charging with 15,5 V on medium load.
Overcharging can damage the ECU and other components, PO didnt know about the
alt overcharging, so I took care of it after purchase
Got a new alt and battery, now everything is fine. I would like to have a battery with
more capacity but it works the way it is now.
Thrown lots of money into the car since I have it.
Steven
PS: seems like a competent part store you found there.
*Thinking bout our part store over here charging 100$ for 1 BUR7EQP* lol
had the same problem a while back, alternator was charging with 15,5 V on medium load.
Overcharging can damage the ECU and other components, PO didnt know about the
alt overcharging, so I took care of it after purchase
Got a new alt and battery, now everything is fine. I would like to have a battery with
more capacity but it works the way it is now.
Thrown lots of money into the car since I have it.
Steven
PS: seems like a competent part store you found there.
*Thinking bout our part store over here charging 100$ for 1 BUR7EQP* lol
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
The1Sun
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
7
09-18-15 07:13 PM
