Alternator testing

I have connected a volt meter to my cigarette plug and getting readings which go up and down all the time between 11.7 and 15 volts and im not switching things on and off .Do you think the regulator is faulty ?

Check it directly at the battery if the same reading fairly good chance its goosed but before you condem it check earthlings and battery.

for the alternator measure across that metal fusible link FL1 in engine bay fusebox and engine block cos that would be the direct output of the alternator, everything beyond that is subject of discussion cos bad earths or weak contacts can be involved

Will have a look at checking the earthLINGS lol thanks.:lol:

Thanks sierrafery will try this.

Some symptoms im getting when I switch ignition off the internal light is really dim and I only get a reading of 7.0 volts also no dash board lights .If I play around pressing key fob The light brightens up and the dash comes on .

jibbyman said:

I have connected a volt meter to my cigarette plug and getting readings which go up and down all the time between 11.7 and 15 volts and im not switching things on and off .Do you think the regulator is faulty ?

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Put your meter across the battery terminals, and you should have a steady reading of something like 12.5v without the engine running and around 14.4v with.

When running im getting readings from 12.5 v up to 16 v thetes an electrical gremlun like a sticking relay sending itvinto limp home mode.If you switch engine off then back on the dash goes blank apart from SRS light and there is a nocking noise from dash I have to move gear stick to get dash on.