OK well im a vette newbie i have had my white 1993 for about a month now. Things were great. I won my first award and could not be happier with my new toy. Until!!!

I was cleaning out the car and must have pushed the interior light switch on, which i did not notice until the next day when i went to get in for a ride and it was dead. I jump started a dead battery (before i read that that is not a good idea) and all was well until a day or 2 later my battery gauge started pegging out at 18 volts were the dash lights would flicker and warning lights would come on. this was a random event however, it would peg to 18 for a brief moment then go back to normal then after a bit peg again. i was told it was the voltage regulator so i disconnected the battery and took out the alternator. i took it up to a local alternator shop where they tested it and said all was working properly. since i was there i had them replace the voltage regulator anyway. I got the alternator back in took it for a spin and it pegged at 17.8 volts once on my drive and it has not done it again until today. It has been running fine for the last week or 2 since i replaced the regulator then today as i was driving it started to creep up in volts. Now instead of just quickly pegging out at 18volts it gradually works its way up to the 18 volt range where it sits for a moment or 2 then goes back to normal for a bit then goes back to 18volts. I dont know if its the alternator, battery or a loose wire.
If anyone can help i would greatly appreciate it.

 

Jump starting a dead battery isn't forbidden; the exact procedure is listed in your Owner's Manual. There are some precautions though, like being sure the radio is turned off, all other electrical components - like interior lights, A/C, etc., - are off too.

Connecting the batteries calls for the dead battery GROUND cable to be clamped to a metal component on the engine NOT TO THE NEGATIVE POST ON THE DEAD BATTERY. Cars shouldn't touch each other, etc.

Best thing to do is to fully charge the dead battery with a battery charger and NOT try to re-charge the dead battery with the alternator.

I suspect the high voltage readings you're seeing are because the battery is so low in voltage.

Jake

 

I doubt your alternator OR battery is at fault, but rather the voltmeter! Measure the battery voltage when the voltmeter acts up and compare the voltages. Always charge your battery up with a battery charger when you find it dead. Discharged batteries draw high current at first and for a while and this high current heats alternators up and reduces their life. Also, it takes hours to charge up a dead battery and driving for 30 minutes won't do it!