Big Electrical Bug

[freeparking]

Man... The check engine light comes on, trans program, temperature flashes
randomly, the headlights, odometer, vanity lights pulsate. I just switched out the capacitors in the cluster so I got spedo guages back. But I still have this
electrical current thingi goin on. The LKM looked fine. PLEASE HELP!!!

[Kalevera]

Check that voltage regulator?!

I wouldn't even drive the thing until it's verified as working.

[freeparking]

Check that voltage regulator?!

I wouldn't even drive the thing until it's verified as working.

I have to drive it to the mechanic like 4 miles away. What could I fudge up if I
drive it?

[Kalevera]

Lorcet - if you have a voltmeter, you can diagnose this yourself. The only other info you'll need is the spec, which I would give you, but can't because I left my Bentley's in Ohio and am now in North Carolina (it's being mailed to me). With a few good tools, you'll be good to replace the alternator, as well, if it turns out to be the faulty component.

If there's any damage due to the problem, I'd say that it's probably already done. I'm just concerned that, if it is spiking voltage, various modules are getting or have already gotten fried.

Best, whit

[Javier]

As long as you do not unplug battery with the engine running, you shouldn't have significant over-voltages. Per your description (very general though) you seem to have swells or flickers in the power (absence of power momentarily). This can only be attributed to a defective power or ground connection. Just identify the involved circuits and check them for proper connections (not only to battery, through fuses and relays, but also to ground). Paid special attention to the fuse link and all the fuses and relay contacts. A partially damaged fuse or relay may be the culprit.

Javier

[freeparking]

I dropped the car off at the mechanic yesterday. He checked the alternator
and told me he was getting readings as high as 17 from it. Does this sound like b.s. or could it really give off that much juice?

[Javier]

.

[632 Regal]

if he checked it and got that voltage IN the car you have a definite voltage regulator problem. I believe the regulator is built on the alternator so if its kickin that high then thats obviously the problem and you may have fried a bunch of stuff.

[freeparking]

Well, the battery was replaced with new 3 months ago. I checked and replaced all the fuses the day before it hit the shop. I had my high beams
and fog lights go out last week. Checked the fuses, LKM ect, didnt even mention that to the mechanic but I will have to fix that also. I noticed the
bulb for the fog lights on the cluster is out also, but the blue high beam light still works.

[Kalevera]

Yeah, regulator's on the back of the alternator, I think. I've seen a repair/replacement procedure for just the regulator...perhaps on Bruno's site? Shogun probably knows...

[Javier]

volt-meter function to measure the voltage on the system, high reving the engine, with A/C and lights on/off, with engine off.

Even a brand new battery should be driyed out if you keep charging it at 17 volts for 3 months.

Here are the instructions for the OBC

http://home.iae.nl/users/bts/obc.htm

Javier

[shogun]

which is much cheaper than a cpl. alternator. Easy to change on the alternator.
As you did not indicate your engine type and year of production, I have selected a generic item.
Just for a new page with apparently very competitive prices

check here and select proper year and engine, this is just for info (http://replacement.autopartswarehouse.com/parts/autopartswarehouse/wizard.jsp?year=1992&make=BM&model=525-I-002&category=F&part=Voltage+Regulator)