Replaced alternator.. now overcharging at 15.8v

[rcchris7]

Purchased a LS and now I'm fighting to get it back to health.. needed a battery so grabbed a new one from the dealer, popped it in and my battery light was still on.. figured I needed to charge the battery up.. about 200km later I lose all power and the cars dies.. luckily in front of a pub while I wait for a tow, throw the battery on charge overnight and bust out my multimeter and get a reading of 13v and dropping while running. Figure the alternator is on its way out, replace that and now I'm getting readings of 15.8v while running that is too high to my knowledge.. I've checked the alternator sense fuses and nothing, I'm lost and don't want to bring it in until it's last resort. Any tricks or tips you og's have is greatly appreciated.


Chris

 

[jjcool00]

Assuming you have a Gen I and you used an aftermarket alternator? There have been plenty of horror stories on this forum about aftermarket alternators NOT working well with the Gen I LS. I think you have to swap the alternator out with the OEM one to get it to charge and work correctly from what I recall. (Quick search will yield more productive results/answers)

 

[oddball]

Which alternator? Remans frequently have problems. Try to get a refund or at least a replacement. I'm running a NAPA one for 2 years so far without problems. Do not use an "HO" alternator - it won't work. Many swear by only the Motorcraft remans.

 

[scjmc]

+1
I went through 4 aftermarket alternators in a row. One of them was overcharging. Motorcraft reman solved my problems.

 

[rcchris7]

God this car is a pain already.. Worst place for an alternator.. not as bad as the start on my Lexus SC though, thanks gents I was worried it was just the alternator its a Remy Reman cheapy.. How much harm is it to drive while I wait for the replacement to come in?

 

[oddball]

Could easily fry many of the electronic modules, as well as causing the battery to overcharge and vent, which is the main cause of battery-related explosions.
I'd recommend against it.

 

[joegr]

If you need another vote, don't do it, for the same reasons as listed above.