Thread: super alternator!

Simply put, my alternator is charging at right around 16 volts. Could this effect the performance of my car? I read somewhere it should charge between 12.8 and 14.8 volts

It should charge around 15 volts. I've heard as high as 15.8 volts but I think in the low 15s is normal. Once you get up toward 16 volts or more you run the risk of frying lots of electronic components. Ask me how fun that is to fix.

It sounds like your alternator's voltage regulator isn't working properly.

Get it checked for free at the local auto parts store.

14.8 is as high as you want to be. 16v will damage electronics. Sounds to me like the voltage regulator is fried in it.

Same thing happened to me a while back. Voltage regulator slowly went over time and i didn't realize until it suddenly started spiking to 20 volts and blew out most of my bulbs

bad regulator diode w.e they use

13.6 13.8 is where u want

Can I change the voltage regulator, or should I replace the whole unit? My car is running like crappy so I hope this is the reason. (semi easy fix)

If you're an electrical engineer type, you might be able to replace the voltage regulator. For the rest of us mortals, we get new alternators when those go bad.

time for a new alternator. it will eventually get up to 20 volts and cause lots of damage.