I'm sure this question has been asked a few times but I'm curious as to why my voltage isn't healthy?
What I've noticed is on my sniper, and also dash gauge, I'm only getting around 11.8 volts running. I thought I just needed a battery so I replaced it with a new one..still no luck? I have noticed before that my voltage actually seemed really high, like 18 or so and this was before the sniper so I thought my gauge was just acting weird but nonetheless it must of been telling the truth. Any suggestions on what to test before I start to throw parts at it? Thanks

 

You need to get your alternator and voltage regulator tested. Running voltage should be 14.5ish, engine off battery voltage should be around 12.6ish.

 

whats a sniper?

 

Fuel injection.

 

thanks sorry for my ignorance

 

I wish I had your ignorance, I'd be a smart man..... Tedd

 

Thanks Tedd. It looks like I fooled you.

 

ok how do you test the voltage regulator? Do you put your test leads on it the same way you'd see if the alternator is charging at the battery?

 

 

To test or condemn the regulator on the car, you will 1st need to test the wiring and the alternator. If you have an external regulator test the wiring like this. Looking down on the reg there will be 4 wires. Left to right the reg will be marked (F 2 3 4). Unplug wires from regulator and alternator. With key on in run position, test for voltage at the alternator battery post and at the regulator plug test for voltage at wire 3 and 4. All three should be hot with key on. Now test for continuity on wires F and 2 from regulator plug to alternator plug. If these all test good and you have a good ground on the regulator, let us know and we can move on the testing the alternator with the regulator out of the circuit.