Had a battery that wouldn't hold a charge, was seeing UG voltage about 13.8-14.2. Battery died. Got a new battery, still seeing UG voltage of 13.8- 14.2, too high. Alternator?

 

No. That's still ok. I've seen as high as 16.

Take the alt to advance and have it checked.

 

16v seems a bit to high for a 12v battery...

 

The 13.8-14.2 you're seeing on the UG is the alternator output and is perfect. Double check your battery connections.

 

it is high...but I've seen it. Perfectly working fine...

 

Nope, alternator is working fine. 13.6 to 14.2 is right where you want to be, running with all accessories on. If you are in that range, running, sounds like it was just time for a new battery.

As far as 16 volts go...that is to high and will eventually damage the battery. Normally, you'll see diminished life out of a battery that is being over charged. And bulbs will burn out prematurely. See it a lot, customer comes in after changing the battery in his vehicle two or three times within a few years, and can't understand why. Check charging system and it's over charging. He says, "but the charging light on the dash never came on". It won't...since it let's you know when it's not charging, but could care less if it is over charging.

Me, if l was seeing 16 volts...regulators bad...and l'd be changing the alternator.

Brian.

 

I agree, working correctly is as pictured in the graph I posted (within a few tenths of a volt margin)

 

thanks guys. had become used to seeing about 12.8- 13.2 since I've had the truck, with battery and alternator changes. this 13.8- 14.2 is just new and different. good to know that it's still good range.