Voltage regulator is putting out 22 volts what is my problem?

check the voltage regulator for faults
alternator running at 1500rpm has to put out a dc voltage of 14.5-14.8 volts
have the battery load tested a sit should maintain a voltage of no less than 10.5 under load conditions anything lower indicates bad cells in the battery

I also have a 91 S-10 and have recently had to replace my ICM i really think that it's due to high mileage and just wore out more than anything else

Hi, what voltage is the alternator putting out? Put a voltmeter across the battery - it should be reading between 13.8 to 14.4volts. Any more than this and the regulator unit on the alternator is likely to be faulty. Normally a cheap fix

Your car's symptoms (voltage fluctuations under load that shouldn't happen) seem to
strongly indicate that your voltage regulator has failed. The voltage regulator is the component
that regulates voltage coming from the alternator, and which is supplied to the rest of the car.
Your new belt tensioner indicates to me (and should have to your mechanic) that the
alternator and/or voltage regulator weren't able to operate properly, and a faulty belt tensioner
has killed more than one car's alternator/voltage regulator.
Your do not need new headlights. Do fix the turn signals.

In the 2005 Sunfire, the voltage regulator is an integral component of the alternator, and is
not separately serviceable. So your 2005 Sunfire needs a new alternator.

2005 Pontiac Sunfire Alternator - Duralast Part Number: DL2305-15-4 $199.99 available at:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/2005-Pontiac-Sunfire/Alternator/_/N-jmqtpZ93xme

The national parts chains (Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Pep Boys) will (for free) administer
a "Charging System Test." Which will telly you for sure that your alternator/voltage regulator
is bad. Do this before replacing alternator, since its a pricy part in the 05 Sunfire.

Just in case, Here's the 2005 Sunfire manual entry on (a) Diagnosis & testing the alternator, and
(b) replacement of the alternator

Alternator replacement is a do-it-yourself project, though you may need to get a
"Serpentine Belt Kit" on your favorite parts store's loan-a-tool program to remove/re-install the serpentine (drive) belt.
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Diagnosis & Testing - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire Alternator


Alternator Load Test

1. With the engine running, turn on the blower motor and the high beams ( or other electrical accessories to place a load on the charging system).

2. Increase and hold engine speed to 2000 rpm.

3. Measure the voltage reading at the battery.

4. The voltage should increase at least 0.5 volts from the voltage test. If the voltage does not meet specifications, the charging system is malfunctioning.
NOTE
Usually under and overcharging is caused by a defective alternator, or its related parts (voltage regulator), and replacement will fix the problem; however, faulty wiring and other problems can cause the charging system to malfunction. Many automotive parts stores have alternator bench testers available for use by customers. An alternator bench test is the most definitive way to determine the condition of your alternator.




Alternator No-Load Test

1. Connect a tachometer to the engine.
CAUTION
Ensure that the transmission is in Park and the emergency brake is set. Blocking a wheel is optional and an added safety measure.


2. Turn off all electrical loads (radio, blower motor, wipers, etc.)

3. Start the engine and increase engine speed to approximately 1500 rpm.

4. Measure the voltage reading at the battery with the engine holding a steady 1500 rpm. Voltage should have raised at least 0.5 volts, but no more than 2.5 volts.

5. If the voltage does not go up more than 0.5 volts, the alternator is not charging. If the voltage goes up more than 2.5 volts, the alternator is overcharging.
NOTE
Usually under and overcharging is caused by a defective alternator, or its related parts (regulator), and replacement will fix the problem; however, faulty wiring and other problems can cause the charging system to malfunction. Many automotive parts stores have alternator bench testers available for use by customers. An alternator bench test is the most definitive way to determine the condition of your alternator.


6. If the voltage is within specifications, proceed to the next test.



Voltage Test

1. Make sure the engine is OFF , and turn the headlights on for 15-20 seconds to remove any surface charge from the battery.

2. Using a DVOM set to volts DC, probe across the battery terminals.

3. Measure the battery voltage.

4. Write down the voltage reading and proceed to the next test.



Removal & Installation - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire Alternator


2.2L (VIN 4) Engines

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions section.

2. Remove or disconnect the following:

Negative battery cable

Accessory drive belt

Alternator mounting bolts

Alternator electrical connectors

Alternator





To install:

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions section.

Alternator. Torque the upper bolts to 37 ft. lbs. (50 Nm) and the lower bolt to 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm).

Alternator electrical connectors

Accessory drive belt

Negative battery cable





2.2L (VIN F) Engines

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions section.

2. Remove or disconnect the following:

Negative battery cable

Accessory drive belt

Alternator mounting bolts

Alternator electrical connectors

Alternator





To install:

1. Install or connect the following:

Alternator. Torque the bolts to 16 ft. lbs. (22 Nm).

Alternator electrical connectors

Accessory drive belt

Negative battery cable

The voltage regulator is a part of the alternator.If you are having pulsating issues then look for grounding issues like a corrided eyelet or loose grounding bolts.

You will need to go to a shop,have the out put checked,it is supposed to be 13.65 volts,to 14.25 volts out put at the battery.If it is over this,the voltage regulator is bad.The voltage regulator is in the computer.This is allowing the alternator to over charge.But make sure the belt is not slipping.

Yes, BUT, you better have a battery, or batteries installed in the system, that add up to 24 volts (I assume this 24 volt alternator has a built-in voltage regulator?)

If there isn't anything to 'tell' the voltage regulator, to just put out the needed voltage to keep 24 volts running smoothly, it will put out way more than that, And BURN up!

Your voltage regulator needs to be adjusted to 14.5 volts or if it won't adjust you need to replace the regulator. If you have a bad ground it could make the alternator see the wrong voltage and cause it to go to full charge. If it haas a built in regulator you can buy it at an alternator shop and replace it it is help in place by screws. It would be helpful if you tell us what year and make of car. Some put out as much as 26 volts. so more input is better, also please rate this if you need more help.

or and more likely... the voltage regulator either mounted on the alternator or on the wheel well is defective.