I asked this on the forum, and answered your question there, but I am not sure if I should send the answer direct to you also. I measured the voltage at the battery with a multimeter at fast idle at 15.5 v., and with engine off it became 13 v., diminishing.
I suspect the voltage regulator. Must I replace the alternator? Should I hammer on the alternator to try to fix possible corroded ground? Any advice would be appreciated
It sounds like the internal regulator is faulty. If you are charging your battery with 15.5 volts, the battery will gas extensively and suffer from overheating. The normal charge rate for a normal flooded battery is 14.2 volts. A vehicle designed to have a calcium battery will have a slightly higher charging voltage but not 15.5V. The regulator is generally in the back of the alternator (depending on make and model) and can be replaced particularly if you you remove it from the engine. Smacking it with a hammer will not mend it.
I have similar symptom on my 1997 Montero SR. My question what other symptoms will result in a bad regulator. I'm currently experiencing I cannot operate my window, sunroof, 12v outlet, and sunroof. Also my truck will not shift from drive is the regulator linked to any shifting component on the transmission? Any help is apprciated.
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Took the car to the Mitsubishi dealer with the intention of having the battery and alternator tested. Then, if the alternator was bad, I would take the old one to Autozone, get a replacement under warranty, and bring the new one back for installation in the vehicle. So that's what happened. The dealer charged me $174.63 for the labor. I felt that was a high price (I should have gotten an estimate in advance -- my fault), but figure that the Almighty will reward the righteous and punish the wicked in terms of any overcharge, so to speak. The amount of time it would take a mechanic to test and swap out an alternator is well known. I appreciate the help and advice from folks on this web site.
Of course you want to check & clean connections if possible, any yes I have been able to get a little more life on occasion from a thump with the wooden handle part of a hammer,like the **** end, but not too carried away with it. Slim chance but what the heck.
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