| | List |
| Subject: | Re: 16 volts instead of 12 a problem? |
| Poster: | HLS@nospam.nix |
| Date: | Wed, 21 Mar 2007 14:58:10 EDT |
| Related Postings: | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 |
"j" wrote in message
news:6YeMh.280$YL5.69@newssvr29.news.prodigy.net...
> I have a 1994 Chevy Corsica with a 6 cylinder engine. In recent days a red
> light that is shaped like a battery on the instrument panel has began
coming
> off and on intermittently. It comes on for a few seconds to a couple
> minutes, then stays off for a while. When it comes on, my headlights get
> very bright and my heater blower goes very fast. The battery is good. I
took
> a voltmeter and measured the voltage at the cigarette lighter socket. When
> the battery-shaped indicator light is off and everything's normal it reads
> 14 volts. When the red battery-shaped light is on it reads 16 volts. The
car
> runs fine either way. This happens during both hot and cold operating
> temperatures, light and full electrical load, and there doesn't seem to be
a
> pattern. I also hear a faint whining noise coming from somewhere when the
> light is on. I thought the alternator was dirty so I sprayed it with a
> garden hose and Joy dish soap, but that didn't change anything. I thought
> about the voltage regulator, but can't find it. Does anyone know what is
> going on here and if it's okay to continue driving the car? Thank you.
I wouldn't drive it far that way. Overvoltage can damage various parts
of the system.
Something is definitely wrong. It could be the voltage regulator, which is
internal to GM alternators I am familiar with. I would check visually for
any
obvious wiring problems, then take the alternator in for testing...or, just
take the car to a competent mechanic and let him fix it for you.
|
|