Alternator giving out too much power

[naski666]

HI and hello to everyone.

I've just bougth myself a 1994 Corrola (UDX) and although I'm happy with the car I recently went out at night and turned the lights on, which gave problems.

The lights get brighter as the car revs (and as the lights are bright the red battery light comes on). So i checked the battery and alternator (with one of the specifically designed voltmeter thingy bobs from radioshack, 6 dioodes, dead, low and normal battery, low normal and high voltage from the alternator). So anyway the battery appears to be a little low (it's not got a voltage readout so I just know it's less than wanted), but when i turn on the engine the voltmeter says the alternator is giving out too much juice (15V ish or over).

Now what do people recommend? should I invest in a real voltmeter and find out exactly how much current it's giving out?

the car runs fine and Ive not had any problems (touch wood only had the car a week!)

Also is this indicative or any other problems? I spoke to the previous owner, asking if he knew about the problem (fair enough I bought the car without checking this bit, but at least he can help me out now I've paid for it) and he said he'd noticed it doign that for a while but it had never caused any problems.

Can anyone be of any help?

I hear the alternators are easy enough to replace but I've like no experience doing it, but I am fairly mechanically minded so would anyone recommend giving it a go (if this turns out to be the problem).


Thanks

James

[RakeRon]

Take your car to a SEARS automotive center and pay the $15 to have your car properly tested with a SABRE machine. They're some of the most accurate charging system analysers out there and most likely far better than anything you can buy at RatShack.

[fredk]

ratshack

[89yotarollagts]

SOunds liek a voltage regulator to me

[Tofuball]

Yep, definitely a sign pointing to a voltage regulator. I liked how on my 66 mustang they were external to the alternator A $7 part.

[naski666]

I it happens to be a voltage regulator, where is that housed, actually inside the alternator?

I'll try and get myself to a sears but wouldn't it be better just to spend more, but myself a decent voltmeter and do it that way?

Thanks

Nask

[naski666]

BUMP

Agologies but I'm trying to get an informed answer.

Cheers

Nask

[94_Rolla_Guy]

a Proper AVR test can pinpoint the exact problem in all likeliness its the voltage regulator in the alternator thats gone bad , if you do need to replace the alternator id pick up a Haynes or Chilton manual for your car it will be very useful over your time with the car, if you do some of your own work on it.

[Raddman]

Just drive your car to Advanced auto parts, Pep Boys, Autozone, etc. and they will test your alternator right on the car for free....You didn't say how many amps its pulling...most cars the voltage is around 14.5V...I got one from the boneyard for my brothers 95 grand prix that was shooting out over 15V with no problems after a year now...Good Luck...Radd Guy

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