Hello All

Non model-specific question, although the car is a 1993 Uno Diesel.

With the engine running on tickover and with a digital voltmeter connected, it appears that the battery is being recharged at between 14.75 and 14.80 volts.

Is this a bit (half a volt?) too high? The battery, which I had checked professionally a week ago, is apparently tired anyway, not taking enough of a charge, but the output from the alternator still seems a bit too much.

Alternator regulator on its way out? Fiat did a good job of making the alternator less than ideally accessible....

Any advice?

Hi,
Yes that's a bit high for an older car, especially at idle, should be 13.8-14V. Newer cars may be up to 14.4V. Assuming your meter is accurate of course. Sounds like you need a new resgulator/brush pack. Change the battery too, the excessive voltage probabl hastened it's demise.

Robert G8RPI.

Hi Robert.

Thanks for the advice. Wonder if it's worth getting a whole new alternator or just the regulator and brush pack...

Have also sorted a new battery, but won't be fitting it until the new alternator is on.

Hi
I'd do just the regulator/brushpack. If the bearings were noisy I change them too, but that's a little harder. Ideally pull the alternator and check it's condition before buying any parts.

Robert G8RPI.