Charging Problems Maybe
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Brick New Jersey
Charging Problems Maybe
my 1994 coupe is showing 14.5 to 15.0 on the voltmeter al the time. Is this normal or does anybody have any ideas as to what is going on or what should I check? What is the normal volt metter reading for my gauge suppose to read?
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 5
From: Atlantis
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Charging Problems Maybe (eagle6)
Up to 14 is ok particularly right after cold startup.
15 ANYTIME is getting out of 'safe' range.
COULD be the internal VR (voltage regulator) inside your alternator. It's replaceable.
It's about the only thing in there that will cause the voltage to go too high.
Higher voltage =higher current the battery/electrical system is dissapating.
Higher than design parameters= not too good.
A LOT of folks replace the whole alternator but us CHEAPER folks out here always find the least expensive ways to fix stuff.
And.. we almost NEVER "PAY" anyone to fix anything for us.
Good luck with it.
15 ANYTIME is getting out of 'safe' range.
COULD be the internal VR (voltage regulator) inside your alternator. It's replaceable.
It's about the only thing in there that will cause the voltage to go too high.
Higher voltage =higher current the battery/electrical system is dissapating.
Higher than design parameters= not too good.
A LOT of folks replace the whole alternator but us CHEAPER folks out here always find the least expensive ways to fix stuff.
And.. we almost NEVER "PAY" anyone to fix anything for us.
Good luck with it.
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 5
From: Atlantis
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Charging Problems Maybe (eagle6)
Whoa, I see you have a 94.
I'm not SURE the VR is internal to your alternator.
It "MAY" be in the CCM or Central Control Module on your 94....
Somebody else chime in please... and enlighten us.
I'm not SURE the VR is internal to your alternator.
It "MAY" be in the CCM or Central Control Module on your 94....
Somebody else chime in please... and enlighten us.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Charging Problems Maybe (eagle6)
Measure the voltage across the battery terminals and compare it with your dash voltmeter. The design center voltage for charging is 14.7 volts and going higher than that increases the charging current . You may just have a voltmeter that is slightly out of calibration. I believe GM says maximum charging voltage is 16.0 volts.
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