Ok, Here's a wierd one. After a valve cover gasket replacement....my alternator is putting out almost 16V and something inside the cabin smells like it is getting hot. (electrical smell). I figure it was just the voltage regulator...so I bought a new alternator....same thinkg, too much voltage...HOW CAN THAT BE?

The only thing that might have something to do with it is....I currently have the headlight/turnsignal switch removed....I am waiting on a new one to come it.....could that have something to do with the high voltage?

 

I am currently having a similar problem. The lights all over my car get really bright when I drive and the AC/heater shoot out alot of air as I accelerate. I was told it was the voltage regulator but after reading your post, I'm not so sure. Did you ever resolve this issue?

 

Not sure why it's high. Is your multimeter accurate? The new regulator could also be bad.

 

A short possibly?

 

It was the VR, thanksto all that replied

 

Hey Agood1, is your VR in your alternator too? Also, where did you buy your first replacement alternator? Autozone? It happens a lot with them, that's why I asked, lol....and the final replacement, where did you get that one from?

 

The 1st one was from Autozone. The final one from NAPA.

 

What brands were they if you don't mind?

Were they rebuilt units or new ones?

 

The ones from Autozone are built on a Friday at 4:30pm...all of them IMO, because it seems like 80% of their rebuilt alternators fail every time.

 

That's why they come with life time warranty's. Even mechanic's have the same problems with starters/alternators coming from their distributor's/jobbers.