1g with gremlins a.k.a. voltage problems

[mokeOne]

ok, just wanna see if anyone else has had this problem, and any suggestions on fixing it. i've got a turbo timer in the car, and while running i usually keep it on the battery voltage just to make sure i'm not draining it at any time. usually it runs around 13.5 volts. 12.8 or so when the fan comes on. lately it's been surging up to 15.9, then dropping back down to 13.5. it does this at any given moment. happened last night while on the freeway. dash lights got real bright, wipers started going real fast. when i got off the freeway, i noticed my headlights weren't working anymore. highbeams work, low beams do not. side markers and blinkers all work fine. checked the fuses under the hood, and they all look fine. does anyone know what might be causing the surges? bad alternator, shorts in the wiring? any help would be good. i'm really considering taking the car down to the local mitsu dealer and having them take a look at it. there's just been so many damn problems since i bought the car, and that was in august '03.

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by mokeOne
ok, just wanna see if anyone else has had this problem,...

My guess is you have a poor ground or poor pos.+at battery. Also large B+ from Alt. to battery could be loose. If after inspecting and cleaning these and the problem continues the Alt. brushes/regulator is to be suspect.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[rabi42]

I had this same problem with my '91 TSi, voltage shot to 17 and blew my headlights. I thought it was the regulator in the alternator, so I replaced the alternator. 2 months later, happens again, shoots to 16 this time and blows my headlights again. I took the alternator back and got it replaced for free. Reinstalled and added a ground wire kit, and I haven't had a problem since. So I'd say you have a bad ground somewhere....

 

[mokeOne]

so... turns out that the alternator was shot. the guy who owned this car before me must have had a really crap mechanic, because the tensioner bracket was barely attached to the engine. my guess is that the alternator got knocked around a lot because of not being properly installed, and in turn the voltage regulator went bad. put in a rebuilt alt, and everything has been fine (voltage wise) since. on to the next problem! haha