[doviatt]

I've got a question for some of you technical guys. When I first got my metro last April I had to replace my alternator and battery. There was some discussion at the parts store at the time as to if it was a voltage regulator or just the alternator. This alternator has built in Voltage regular AFAIK. Replaced alternator and things were ok.

A couple of weeks ago my fairly new battery died on the way home from work. Got a warranted replacement on it and they told me my alternator was bad again. I ordered one but....I can't prove my old one is bad. I brought a battery charger and volt meter to work with me the last couple of weeks to check the status of things and keep it charged if needed. Things have been going well 'till today. I have been measuring about 14V on the alternator and about 12-13 on the battery.


This morning my radio turned off (sign of trouble) and when I get to work I measure 9.3 on my battery and 17V out of the alternator.

My questions:

1) Why does my batt/alt light not turn on? (It illuminates when starting- the light sequence test).

2) 9V on my new battery that can't be good right? I've got it on my charger at the moment here at work.

3) Sounds as if I'm having voltage regulator trouble. If it is part of my alternator does anyone know how I can separate this? If this is my second voltage regulator within a year is there some other electrical issue that might be taking out my regulator? Could a short or bad ground be something to look for?

4) My dash is crowded with instruments and guages (MPGuino, tach, vac). Why not add a couple more...I was going to get a voltage gauge to hook up to alternator. Should I get a second one to hook to my battery too?

Your help and advice is appreciated.