PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA
Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: Shane198three on March 16, 2013, 06:09:27 PM
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Hey guys,
This question is about my 1974 Mustang 2 Mach 1, but it is nearly the same car, at least in my humble opinion. ;-)
So I start the car up, without any electronics running, and I run at 13-14 volts. But as soon as I step on the brakes or turn on the lights, and I am sure use the wipers or turn on the heater, the voltage jumps up to 16+ volts.
POSSIBLE ISSUES:
Voltage regulator...
Alternator...
A short in the wiring...
Please give me some ideas and replacement plans...
Thanks,
Shane
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That is a little high usually it's about 15.5 volts. I would be thinking Voltage regulator. I would check it with DVOM first.
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I checked it out with a dwelltack a week or so ago. Just now getting to the forums to ask.
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Voltage Regulators are not expensive. Just picked one up myself at Advance auto parts...20 bucks.
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Oh, I know it, I have replaced a few, but none from an over amping issue, that is why I am asking if anyone knows if this might be the cause. I have never come across this issue before.
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Well it is the job of the voltage regulator to regulate the voltage. I have heard of cars overcharging before but Im not sure what the causes are that can do it.
But, if youre looking at a 1 volt difference or less I wouldnt count on a dwell instrument that has a voltage scale. At least use a decent vom if not a digital meter to check it. One volt out of fifteen volts is only about six percent. If its over 15 I would wonder though, over 16 I would be surprised if you arent losing instrument bulbs or other bulbs.
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An unregulated alternator can push 17 volts. Try a regulator & it should fix it.