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alternator charging high

PostPosted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 1:12 pm
by zorbaru
my battery has stopped holding charge so im getting a new one put in.

while we were testing it my mate checked to see what the alternator was charging at and it said 15.3

is this too high or will it be ok?

Re: alternator charging high

PostPosted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 1:55 pm
by smythie
15.3 is high IMO. Quite likely the reason your battery died.

Re: alternator charging high

PostPosted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 2:42 pm
by zorbaru
so can it be fixed or is it new alternator time?

Re: alternator charging high

PostPosted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 10:31 am
by smythie
I'm not auto electrician but it could well be a new alternator - if the regulator is internal to the alternator. If the reg is an external unit you probably don't need to worry about the alternator

Re: alternator charging high

PostPosted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 11:21 am
by teK--
Yeah sounds like the regulator but not sure if it is integral to the alternator or not (the workshop manual is not specific). If it is integral you can usually get just the regulator replaced if you take the alternator to a shop that reconditions electric motors.

Mine sits on 14.2V when I am at cruising speed.

Re: alternator charging high

PostPosted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 12:38 pm
by swingn
Mine jumps around a bit as well (Using Greddy Touch as my voltmeter)... My old battery (Over 4 years old) was shot & not holding a charge... Switch to the yellow top & haven't had a drama since :D

But voltage still jumps about the place a bit... I've been meaning to get it checked out, but no time :(

Would love to know what is causing it etc...