Voltage Too High???
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Voltage Too High???
I just installed a new alternator a couple days ago and ran a Test with my Solar Tester and a new DVM today. Is this alternator putting out too much voltage?
Took car for 4 drives so far today - no faults/no codes - 14-14.3V steady on DIC.
Came back and ran some meter tests, here are the results. Solar Tester I believe thinks the running voltage is too high. I am not an expert so not sure if that is a "real" problem?
Here are the reading I got with the Solar today. Everything looked pretty good except the voltage with engine running with and without load - Solar gives me a RED LIGHT "FAIL" on the final test. It apparently feels like the voltage is too high? At first of test the Green light flashes rapidly, then the green and red both flash and then finally the red comes on solid. What does this mean?
Took car for 4 drives so far today - no faults/no codes - 14-14.3V steady on DIC.
Came back and ran some meter tests, here are the results. Solar Tester I believe thinks the running voltage is too high. I am not an expert so not sure if that is a "real" problem?
Here are the reading I got with the Solar today. Everything looked pretty good except the voltage with engine running with and without load - Solar gives me a RED LIGHT "FAIL" on the final test. It apparently feels like the voltage is too high? At first of test the Green light flashes rapidly, then the green and red both flash and then finally the red comes on solid. What does this mean?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Yes, it has a Stinger terminal
http://www.darvex.com/store/pc/Sting...inal-14p44.htm
http://www.darvex.com/store/pc/Sting...inal-14p44.htm
Last edited by Choreo; Sep 22, 2013 at 12:50 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
what kind of condition is the battery in? normally an alternator puts out north of 14v when the battery is low.
if you watch the dic is any normal c5 it's common to see 14.2-14.4v when you start it, then the voltage taper off to mid 13s after you drive some miles
if you watch the dic is any normal c5 it's common to see 14.2-14.4v when you start it, then the voltage taper off to mid 13s after you drive some miles
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
I have never seen over 14.3 on the DIC, but the dash always reads at least .5V lower than actual from my experience. Driving around the past 3 days I am seeing mostly a constant 14V on the DIC.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Received this response back from Billet-Tech today (that is the new alternator I have been trying out the past 3 days).
The voltage regulator we use in that unit is a standard GM voltage regulator as used on some other late model GM’s that come from the factory with a 6 phase alternator. It will operate at 14.0 to 15.1 volts depending on temperature and load. Usually, by the time the alternator is at operating temp, it will be around 14.5 volts or so.
I assume the Voltage Regulator is "supposed" to shut off or reduce output if it reaches the high limit? I also assume if it fails to do that, my electrical system is toast (or maybe a fusible link might blow)?
The voltage regulator we use in that unit is a standard GM voltage regulator as used on some other late model GM’s that come from the factory with a 6 phase alternator. It will operate at 14.0 to 15.1 volts depending on temperature and load. Usually, by the time the alternator is at operating temp, it will be around 14.5 volts or so.
I assume the Voltage Regulator is "supposed" to shut off or reduce output if it reaches the high limit? I also assume if it fails to do that, my electrical system is toast (or maybe a fusible link might blow)?
Last edited by Choreo; Sep 22, 2013 at 10:08 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
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From: PNW
I'm sure there is a voltage regulator that is working normally ... as Billet-Tech says it can put out up to 15.1 volts. Any regulator can go haywire and fail, and I'm not sure what happens when one does. You'd think it would be designed to put out no voltage instead of putting out way too much if it fails.
So did you measure the voltage in the same manner after a long drive?
So did you measure the voltage in the same manner after a long drive?
