my alternator used to not charge unless the ac or lights were on. now the thing is running 15 to 16 volts all the time. its jumping around and the head lights are flickering. whats up with this???

thanks for any help.

 

sounds like the voltage regulator is shot, time to replace the alt. Or if you have the know-how and the time, rebuild it yourself. But I tell ya this, lots quicker to just replace it. Running on higher voltage like that is a lot of stress on your electrical systems, things will start to go, like light bulbs and then ignition parts.

 

yeah voltage regulator. your battery will likely erupt with battery acid too. its a good way to clean and strip your engine of dirt and paint at least... gotta replace your alternator completely since its not serviceable.

 

i hade one pushhing about 17 volts and it fried my ecu DO NOT DRIVE WITH IT!!!! it caust me a alt&ecu $320.00 to replace all that it f/up

 

what is the normal range?

sometimes if i have nothing on but the engine for a long time it will go up to like 15.8 but *** soon as i hit the brakes or any other load like blower moter it go's down to like 14.3. is this normal?

 

Around 14.2 volts with accessories off.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LSVTEC 91 Civic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Around 14.2 volts with accessories off.</TD></TR></TABLE>

crazy didn't know that wonder how much with a lighten pulley??

 

I just have a CTR crank pulley, nothing special.

 

no matter what pulley you have the voltage regulator will compensate for the difference in speed