Battery Drain, Voltmeter Increasing
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Battery Drain, Voltmeter Increasing
I just completed a 2500 mile trip with my 88 Bronco with an I-6. As I was nearing the end of the trip, I noticed that my voltmeter needle had increased almost to the "red zone" of 18 V. I turned on the blower motor and headlights to cause it to decrease hoping to prevent an overcharging situation.
At idle, the voltmeter reads normal as usual. As I increase engine speed, the voltmeter increases to the red zone again. After leaving the car parked for 12 hours, the battery was of course drained. Same thing with 2nd new battery.
I am convinced I am getting a charge, since I can drive all day with the truck without battery drainage.
My thoughts:
All wiring looks good and tight, but could I have a short?
Is the alternator shot, and I am missing the signs?
I believe my truck has the internal voltmeter, is that the problem, and should I replace the entire unit then?
Thanks,
Scott
At idle, the voltmeter reads normal as usual. As I increase engine speed, the voltmeter increases to the red zone again. After leaving the car parked for 12 hours, the battery was of course drained. Same thing with 2nd new battery.
I am convinced I am getting a charge, since I can drive all day with the truck without battery drainage.
My thoughts:
All wiring looks good and tight, but could I have a short?
Is the alternator shot, and I am missing the signs?
I believe my truck has the internal voltmeter, is that the problem, and should I replace the entire unit then?
Thanks,
Scott
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Battery Drain, Voltmeter Increasing
Have the alternator checked. Sounds like you may have a voltage regulator gone bad. If it OVERcharges when you accelerate, it is more than likely UNDERcharging when at idle. The voltage regulator is internal to the alternator.
Last edited by greystreak92; May 14, 2003 at 05:47 PM.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
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Battery Drain, Voltmeter Increasing
I suspected it was the voltage regulator, isnt it internal on my model?
I also see under the starter relay, a "motorcraft electronic regulator" is that actually a voltage regulator, or something else?
Thanks
I also see under the starter relay, a "motorcraft electronic regulator" is that actually a voltage regulator, or something else?
Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
Battery Drain, Voltmeter Increasing
It is possible that the same voltage regulator "fault" that causes
the over-charge" condition, will also cause a battery current drain when
your engine is not running......
the over-charge" condition, will also cause a battery current drain when
your engine is not running......
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Freshman User
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Battery Drain, Voltmeter Increasing
So, either way I look at it, the alternator more than likely needs to be replaced since the regulator is integrated...oh well, just trying to avoid replacing expensive parts just to solve a problem...kind of like when I replaced the fuel pump in 16" of snow only to discover my plugs were fouled!
Thanks, off to autozone!
Thanks, off to autozone!
