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Is 16 too high for the alternator I recently checked the charging system and my meter said 16 and change

Tiny
JOHNNYCUTLASS85
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 HONDA CIVIC
  • 89,000 MILES
About three months ago I replaced the alternator n now a week ago finally replaced the battery(didnt have enough money at the time) anyways car starts and runs great batt. Light comes on from time to time no stalling and car starts up everyday without a problem. Im on my second battery though casue the first one I bought from autozone was leaking from the caps so brought it back and got another one thinking it was defective but now im having the same prob and my radio resets itself evry now and then wiring for radio is fine checked tht already can these problems have to do with an alternator over charging. I mean I know should be between 13-14 but I got 16 and change from my meter
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Monday, September 17th, 2012 AT 11:19 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,742 POSTS
Measure it with a digital voltmeter. Dash gauges are just approximate, never perfectly accurate. You're right, 16 volts is too high. 13.75 to 14.75 is acceptable.
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Monday, September 17th, 2012 AT 11:52 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
The overcharging is causing the battery electrolytes to be bubbling through the battery caps. You have a faulty alternator (internal regulator) that is overcharging and this problem should be addressed asap as overcharging can kill a lot of electronic components.
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Tuesday, September 18th, 2012 AT 7:49 AM

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