high current. Maybe Alternator?

[2nd gen gst]

I need some advice on a problem I have. I'm reading high voltage according to my turbo timer. (At idle it reads 10-11 volts, then when I step on the gas it jumps to 13-15, highest reading is when I start driving where it reaches 18.0-18.5 volts) I think maybe its my alternator. The battery is about a month old and so is the belts. Any ideas

 

[Defiant]

woof, that _is_ high, you're regulator isn't keeping up. You may even start blowing bulbs with 18 V. Still, put a real voltmeter on the system to make sure your timer's not just reading wrong.

 

[2nd gen gst]

I borrowed my friends voltimeter, still same results. When I turn on my headlights, and start driving. I can see when the lighting from my gauge cluster and other light sources get brighter to the point where I feel the bulbs are going to explode. Also the Battery and Brake light just came on. So I'm figuring it is the alternator. I was wondering if I should still drive it, figuring its my only vehicle.

 

[steve]

If it's your only vehicle than get it fixed tomarrow. Not only will 18v burn out light bulbs but your boil your battery and stand a good risk of frying the ECU and radio.

Steve