Volt gauge goes high (possible cause identified?)

[Ohheyexplo1992]

Hey guys, i got a problem with my 1992 ford explorer xlt. The volt gauge goes from mid level to high completely at random and when it does that, my lights inside and out brighten and the blower fan goes a little high too. When it does this voltage across the battery posts drop from 14.5v down to 13.2 and steadily drops until the alternator kicks in again and shoots back up to 14.5v. I was wondering if a short between the alt power out is missing a connection or grounding out. It seems like the alt stops powering the battery and puts voltage across the body somehow almost like the explorer is running off the alternator instead of the battery. I was hoping to find where the power out from the alternator travels to the battery.
Any help is appreciated!-joe. Ps ive been ill pasy few days and havent been able to get under the hood

 

[djracem]

I'm not saying this is your cause, but I am curious if the voltage regulator on the alternator had gone bad.

14.5V isn't that horrible, though, just so you know. In-spec range is between 13 and 15 volts, and an ideal range is 13.5-14.5v.

I will say, it is extraordinarily unlikely that you're running off the alternator alone. Else you'd not be able to start it up again. (I probably shouldn't say that - there's a very slim chance it could be intermittent and I'll have to eat my hat but bah).

If anything, I'm more worried about it undercharging ever so slightly. I remember I have a thing in my civic where if I rev the engine, the lights get brighter for a while.

All in all, I wouldn't be too terribly worried. If it is the voltage control unit, I will say it's far more cost-effective, time-effective and peace-of-mind...-effective to just replace the whole alternator. Unless you wanna dabble.

 

[96AWD5.LOL]

The power out from the alternator goes to the starter solenoid. Though, it sounds like the voltage regulator. If you do wind up replacing the alternator, I'd suggest going with a new Bosch 130 amp out of a '94 Eddie Bauer. I've put it through more than it ever should have with e-fan swaps, bad batteries, and getting soaked and it sill keeps kicking on.

 

[Ohheyexplo1992]

The power out from the alternator goes to the starter solenoid. Though, it sounds like the voltage regulator. If you do wind up replacing the alternator, I'd suggest going with a new Bosch 130 amp out of a '94 Eddie Bauer. I've put it through more than it ever should have with e-fan swaps, bad batteries, and getting soaked and it sill keeps kicking on.

Oh god no!!! I have a story about a high amp alt in my (now disintegrated 94 EB explorer. And ill say this, everyone calls explorers exploders, theyre darn wrong!!! Im headin to bed, no rest for the wicked. The only thing im dealing with now is the engine not turning over in -22 weather. I was thinking of an oil pan heater as my block heater is not giving continuity. I haven’t got a chance to replace the thick 10w30 out for something thinner, is it ok to add a bit of thinner oil to lower the viscosity? Thank you for your help!