[EEZATOY]

Ok - 94 coupe with 30K miles; over the last couple of weeks I've noticed that the voltage reading (dash gauge) has dropped. It used to read just under 14 to where it now hovers just over 12. No problems with starting or changes in the readings on the other gauges; lights don't noticably dim when I turn on the fan or rear window defroster - though there is a drop on the voltage gauge to 12 even with the defroster on. I haven't done any test with a voltage meter at the battery yet...maybe this weekend



So having researched 968.net - my options would seem to be bad a alternator or voltage regulator (could it go bad over time vs only 30K miles?) - possibly a bad battery, though I wouldn't think that would affect the charging system readout.



Oh, and if its a voltage regulator - Bob(aka Flash) have you written up the procedure for the DIY section yet <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/cool.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> .



Thanks Sam



1st attempt at moving knowledge to new forum...

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[Greimann]

It is possible that a bad battery could be sucking extra current to keep charged, but that is also usually followed by slow cranking and other battery issues.



My vote is that your voltage regulator is going bad / wearing out. I had low voltage and after replacing the regulator, it is back up to normal. These regulators also contain the brushes that contact the armature, so unlike other other regulators that are typically just electrical devices, these physically wear out.



Don't delay too long in replacing this because low voltage will prematurely wear out a good battery and also possibly melt the insulation on the big black wire that is the main feed from the alternator to the battery (mine did). Since the vehicles electrical system consumes power in watts and watts = volts X amps, the fewer volts you provide, the more amps are drawn to supply the needed power. The result is overheated wiring.



Replacing the regulator is pretty simple, it is only two screws. Maneuvering your fingers down there is the trick and takes some patience and dexterity. Oh yea, as always, disconnect the negative battery cable first.

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[flash]

ok - 4 test to do



grab a voltmeter and check the voltage while running and with the ignition key off - you should see at least 12v off and at least 12.6 at idle and over 13 above idle, regardless of accessories



check the water in the battery - top up if necessary - DO NOT USE TAP WATER!



grab a hydrometer and check the specific gravity of the battery



the procedure for the voltage regulator is easy:



grab a beer

make sure the key is off

disconnect the battery

get comfy

grab a phillips screwdriver that fits in there

the regulator is on the back of the alternator and is held by 2 screws

remove the screws

get under the car and pick up the screw you dropped

remove the regulator

notice in amazement how worn your old one was

carefully line up the new regulator (it's spring loaded)

attempt to reinstall the screws (this is a blind thing, so you have to go by feel)

drink beer

swear a little

go back to trying to reinstall scews

drink more beer

when successful at reinstallation, test voltage again

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[insite94]

Sam -



Just had my voltage regulator replaced at Frank's Automotive. Mechanic (John) said contacts were worn just like Dave noted. My indicator would hover just above 12V and I needed to jump-start the car every morning.



With new VR, voltages stays generally over 13V and no more start probs. that fixed it for me.



Best,



Buzz

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[EEZATOY]

Buzz, Flash, Dave



Thanks, I thought it sounded like the VR - ordered a new one today.

We'll see how I do at the install...patience isn't always my strongest point.



Sam

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[flash]

the aftermarket $15 special works fine by the way - so does the $42 bosch unit

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[Anchorman]

I already own the Bosch unit, and I'm most appreciative of the detailed instructions. When I tackle this (sometime in the next few weeks, I hope), I'll try to add one step - putting a rag or something directly under the work area so that the screws don't fall to the ground and disappear.

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[ds968]

yet one more thread which made me run immediately to the garage to check how my car compares.. see, the great thing about this forum; keeps reminding you to stay on your toes regarding stuff you may have overlooked for a while...



13 at idle, and 12.5-ish after turning on lights, fog lamps, A/C, plugged in the phone into cig. lighter outlet, wipers on, lowering windows. moving the seats, stereo blasting, disco ball spinning..

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[Larry Currie]

I had the same problem on my way the Hershey last year. It was the voltage regulator.

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[sh944]

I find it interesting that there aren't more reports of bad ground problems, which are a fairly common problem on 944's. Did they change something on the 968 with respect to grounding? To the best of my knowledge, there isn't much difference.



Regards, ...Scott

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[flash]

i think 968 owners are just better grounded in general



seriously - there are reports of grounding issues - there are 10 different ground points that i have counted so far in the diagrams - very odd

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[sh944]

10? I was under the impression there were five main points (engine to body, main grounds near relay box, front frame ground points, and rear ground at rear lights). There are plenty of ground wires running all over the car, but they all wind up at these five grounding points. Clean those five and you've got the ground problem fixed unless you have an individual wire that is broken.



Regards, ...Scott

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[Greimann]

Ten, yup.

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[sh944]

[quote name='Greimann' date='Feb 11 2005, 09:46 PM']Ten, yup.

[right][post="621"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



Time for me to get a new copy of the 968 manual. I loaned mine out a while ago and never got it back... anyone have a cd I can borrow? <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



Where are the other five?



Regards,

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[Greimann]

Email me with your snail mail address and I'll burn you a copy (any one else too).

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[sh944]

Thank you! Nice products on your web page, btw!



Regards, ...Scott



[quote name='Greimann' date='Feb 11 2005, 10:24 PM']



Email me with your snail mail address and I'll burn you a copy (any one else too).

[right][post="624"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]

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[flossdoc]

where do you get the $15 unit?

i cant even find VRs for a 968 on pelican or vertex websites

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[flash]

i am pretty sure it was paragon

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[Greimann]

Yea, Paragon. This page: Voltage Regulators

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[flossdoc]

alright, gonna try to replace the VR

i havent looked yet, but do you do this procedure from over top the engine or under the car?

also, is there a more detailed instruction list than flash provided or is it really that simple?

thanks

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