kawboy5792

ist this normal for the voltage to be around 14 to 17 while driving the car?

Ender85

14 is normal, I've never seen anything as high as 17... :confused:

Grouchy67

If you are getting to 17 the regulator is not doing its job.

moteman1

No.. 14.2 is ideal. With the a/c on at idle prob 13.8. When it jumps that high the alternator is not functioning or, specifically the regulator is not tripping on and off as it should to keep the constant charge to your battery. I would take your car to have the alt tested and if this is what it points to - replace it. Do not let it continue for long because when the regulator is not doing it's job... it can damage the battery from overcharging. Changing out the alt is a pretty straightforward job - no tricks. Been there, trust me.

:yesnod:

GlockLT4

you should be getting a check engine light for anything as high as 17 .. you are going to blow components in your electrical system with voltage that high... get that alt (or just the regulator) replaced pronto!