Electrical Problem with my XT-6 -- Overcharging

#1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 02:46 PM

I have an '87 XT-6. This afternoon when I started the car, I thought I
heard a soft *pop* under the hood. When it started the voltmeter showed
16-17 volts. Only when I put a lot of load on the charging sysem by
turning on all the lights etc. would the voltage stay below 14 volts,
and then only at speeds below 50. When I stopped the car the battery
top was damp with battery acid.

I'm assuming it's the voltage regulator, no? Where *is* the voltage
regulator on this thing?

TIA, Vince

--
Vince Heuring To email, remove the Vince.

#2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 02:46 PM

On Tue, 03 Oct 2006 18:00:49 -0600, Vince Heuring
<VinceHeuring@dimensional.com> wrote:

>
>I have an '87 XT-6. This afternoon when I started the car, I thought I
>heard a soft *pop* under the hood. When it started the voltmeter showed
>16-17 volts. Only when I put a lot of load on the charging sysem by
>turning on all the lights etc. would the voltage stay below 14 volts,
>and then only at speeds below 50. When I stopped the car the battery
>top was damp with battery acid.
>
>I'm assuming it's the voltage regulator, no? Where *is* the voltage
>regulator on this thing?
>
>TIA, Vince

The regulator should be integral in the alternator so you'll need a
new one. Obviously it's not good to drive the car until you get it
fixed. You may need a new battery as well if it's been damaged by
overcharging.

#3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 02:46 PM

I had a similar problem in a 95 Legacy. The overcharging melted the
fuse box, fried the fusible link, etc.

In order to drive the car to the shop, I disconnected the IGN wire plug
from the alternator and ran with the battery power to prevent further
damage.

The regulator is inside the alternator, and on the online parts catalog,
the voltage regulator is listed as a separate part, you may be able to
get it from the dealer. The alternator for an Outback is listed for 197

Good luck

Vince Heuring wrote:
> I have an '87 XT-6. This afternoon when I started the car, I thought I
> heard a soft *pop* under the hood. When it started the voltmeter showed
> 16-17 volts. Only when I put a lot of load on the charging sysem by
> turning on all the lights etc. would the voltage stay below 14 volts,
> and then only at speeds below 50. When I stopped the car the battery
> top was damp with battery acid.
>
> I'm assuming it's the voltage regulator, no? Where *is* the voltage
> regulator on this thing?
>
> TIA, Vince
>

#4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 02:46 PM

Thanks, guys, that was what I figured.

Vince

In article <SBDUg.9672$UG4.8812@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink. net>, AS
<donot@spame.com> wrote:

> I had a similar problem in a 95 Legacy. The overcharging melted the
> fuse box, fried the fusible link, etc.
>
> In order to drive the car to the shop, I disconnected the IGN wire plug
> from the alternator and ran with the battery power to prevent further
> damage.
>
> The regulator is inside the alternator, and on the online parts catalog,
> the voltage regulator is listed as a separate part, you may be able to
> get it from the dealer. The alternator for an Outback is listed for 197
>
> Good luck
>
>
> Vince Heuring wrote:
> > I have an '87 XT-6. This afternoon when I started the car, I thought I
> > heard a soft *pop* under the hood. When it started the voltmeter showed
> > 16-17 volts. Only when I put a lot of load on the charging sysem by
> > turning on all the lights etc. would the voltage stay below 14 volts,
> > and then only at speeds below 50. When I stopped the car the battery
> > top was damp with battery acid.
> >
> > I'm assuming it's the voltage regulator, no? Where *is* the voltage
> > regulator on this thing?
> >
> > TIA, Vince
> >

--
Vince Heuring To email, remove the Vince.

#5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 02:46 PM

I have 2 XT6s. Wonderful cars. Visit www.XT6.net. You'll like it.

John

#6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 02:46 PM

Normal charging voltage is 14.0-14.4 volts.