[mick968]

Was out in the 968 Sat.pm when I happened to be looking at the gauges and noticed my voltmeter pegged(above 16!).Car was running fine(but did notice a burning smell occasionally as I was trying to make it home)(15 miles or so).Anyone have any ideas on this one(voltage regulator?)(alternator?).Did notice that it evidently had been overcharging battery(water all over the top of battery) during the drive home.Did however like the effect(over-amping) on the dash lights and gauges(they shown brighter than ever)(also headlights and driving lights were burning light through the night).Anyway,I decided not to chance and am currently having towed to P-shop.Any experience with this scenario is welcome.I had just expounded on what a reliable,problem free car this had been.Should not have kicked that sleeping dog.

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[banditsc]

Easiest would be the voltage regulator which can be found for $20 and changed in 15 minutes in your driveway. I would start there and measure the voltage with a volt meter afterwards. There is a writeup on here under my name about it.

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[mick968]

Out in the 968 Sat.pm and noticed Voltmeter gauge pegged(16+!).Car was running fine but did notice burning smell occasionally as I tried to get home(15 miles).Also noticed water on top of battery(must have been boiling it out).Did like the effect(overamping) on dash lights and headlights(burning brighter than ever).Any ideas?Voltage regulator?Alternator?Just had commented on what a reliable,trouble free unit this(968) had been.Should have kept quiet.Any experiences with this scenario welcome.Thanks.

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[Anchorman]

It would seem to be the voltage regulator - which is a replaceable part mounted on the alternator.

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[banditsc]

http://www.968forums.com/index.php?showtopic=4296

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[mick968]

After I started thinking about it,I had the Voltage regulator replaced a few years back when I was doing some PM before a trip to Colorado(that and DME relay?).You would think they(VR) would last more than 2 yrs(especially since I don't drive the 968 very much).On the other hand,I guess I should hope it is the VR in contrast to the other possible suspects(alternator,electrical gremlins,ect).

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[S_Cal968]

Unfortunately the VDO volt gauges used in this car are not known for their accuracy or durability. I repaired mine by adding a resister...

If you have access to a DMM [hand-held voltmeter], check the voltage at the battery with the engine idling. The nominal voltage should be ~13.8.

Also do happen to know what brand of your regulator? There are others [non-bosch] that I found to be half the price but seem to be lesser quality. Just a thought...

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