Huge Voltage Spike

[Fuzz420]

On my way to class my radar detecter(8500 x-50) started goin haywire with a high voltage reading. I have my display set to show my voltage, and i noticed it started fluttering around 15 volts and then jumped over 16.5v before the radar read high voltage. I also noticed the stock volt meter jump to 18v maxing out the voltage bar a few times.

Is the voltage surge an early sign of the alternator crapping out to me.

 

[GrimJack]

It's a not-so-early sign of your voltage regulator crapping out on you.

I don't recall if ours is integral to the alternator or not... someone will remember off the top of their head, though.

 

[jetjock]

What Grim said. It could also be a sense wire problem. The regulator is internal and can be easily changed by removing the rear cover. Might as well polish the slip rings and replace the brushes while in there.

 

[Fuzz420]

Well im having a alternator priced from acme tomorrow(i belive thats there name). Thanks for the info

 

[Fuzz420]

Update:

I got my new alternator today, car runs 10x's better.First start up showed 14.7v on my x-50. She drove rough for a few, but i guess that was due to the ecu re-learning it self.Now if i can get some plug wires and distrubter this weekend I'll have all my power back.