HELP! alternator putting out 21 volts

[jacarc1]

I have a 92 explorer and the alternator was making some noise so i put my meter on it and it is reading 21volts with the engine running and battery shows 27 volts with the truck off. I searched the forums but cant seem to find anything. Im guessing this isnt a good thing. Any help would be great.

 

[Iron Weasel]

You sure you're using / reading the meter correctly?

If your alternator is putting out that many volts, then the voltage regulator has definitely gone bad. You'll probably be in the market for a new battery pretty soon if it is indeed holding 27 volts.

 

[Reejerey]

Battery and alternator assuming the meter is being used properly. make sure its on the Volts DC range.

 

[swetrid]

If it was reading properly the rest of the electrical system would be history.

 

[IZwack]

If it was reading properly the rest of the electrical system would be history.

Not sure - while the bulbs are definitely not regulated, the critical systems usually employ their own voltage regulator.

 

[jacarc1]

Thanks for the replys but i didnt trust the meter reading so took it to a parts store. alternator is putting out 14.8 as it should and battery is 12.6 volts with car off...so i bought another battery for my meter and it reads the same as the parts store. I was so baffled by the high reading that i didnt even think the battery could be going in my meter.

 

[Iron Weasel]

As it turns out I was right.

You were in the market for a new battery.

 

[DeRocha]

As it turns out I was right.

You were in the market for a new battery.

lol yup