Is there a voltage regulator on my 2000 996? Im wondering if it has a problem. The voltage seems to vary substantially. Sometimes the gauge will show nearly 14 volts, other times as low as 12.5. The voltage seems totally unrelated to load....while it will dip a bit for example when starting the cabby top open or close process, or starting the engine, but it seems to settle back to a steady reading quickly. But that steady reading seems to vary a lot over time. The battery is relatively new, a little over 2 years old. Seems to start well enough, even after sitting for a week or more.

Sloppy gauge? Bad voltage regulator?

 

IIRC the voltage regulator is on the alternator, which needs to be removed to gain access.

Check that your grounding straps are all tight with clean contacts. Maybe even check it with a multimeter.

 

As stated above check wiring. The alternator wiring harness has been known to corrode so often that places like Suncoast has that replacement item as one of their main maintenance items on their site.

 

think it is perfectly normal as long as it goes to 14, my dodge diesel does same thing for 9years now, 12+ on startup and a few minutes later it goes to 14...has original mopar batteries also

might be an old battery issue too

 

Apparently not for the 996. Suncoast *does* list this item for the 997, but seems not even to list it for the 996.

Pelican lists a separate voltage regulator: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...ELCHRG_pg1.htm#
Not sure if that link will work but its the one for the separate regulator in their 996 catalog.

Pelican lists a whole bunch of different cables. I guess I need to root around in the engine bay and find the darn things and see what they look like....if they are corroded.