Outer Limits 4x4 Board

I was driving back from a camp and my amp meter when right up to 18 amps!
I put on my lights, fan, headlights and everything that could drain electrical power. I stopped and noticed my rear aillight was out and replaced the globe and it seemed to have fixed the problem. My amp guage is showing a higher reading but nowhere near 18volts.
Any one know what might have caused this?

The alternator is about to go off....
I don't know how it is called in English.... it is the alternator voltage regulator.
Replace it, it may cause problems.

Firstly, let's get something right: It sounds like your VOLTmeter. Amps are a measure of current.

To check that your voltmeter isn't faulty, test your voltages with a multimeter (even a cheapy $10 Dick Smith one is adequate). At 18volts, you will probably find you're popping globes everywhere in the vehicle and other things such as number 3 fan setting, possibly your stereo, etc.

If you're getting that sort of voltage, first thing I'd do with a Feroza is check that your power steering pump isn't leaking. Being located right above the alternator, if you get a leak of fluid, it drops straight down onto the alternator , create a buildup of conductive crap on the regulator pins and can cause symptoms like you describe.

If it's being caused by leaking PS fluid, pull your alternator out and remove the regulator from the rear of it (Pretty logical once you have the unit out), then give it a bit of a squirt with some degreaser, clean it all up and re-install. Should work fine. You will need to resolve the leaking PS fluid issue though. Get a 2nd hand PS pump from a wrecker and away you go. Just make sure you get one with the right spindle and/or pully though.

If it's NOT being caused by PS fluid, still remove the alternator and check that it's not full of mud and crap. If it is, clean and re-install as above.

If the regulator looks clean and you confirm it is faulty, then get a replacement from a wrecker. Make sure you get the right one, with the correct plug and pully.

The alternator is a bit of a sh!tty job to replace but easy enough.

You need to remove the radiator shroud, unbolt and move the power steering pump aside (LEAVING THE HOSES ATTACHED), undo the top? (MAY be the bottom, memory fails me atm) radiator hose (IIRC), then get to the alternator.

Upon re-assembly, be careful to ensure you get the alternator tensioner around the right way, otherwise it'll work ok for a couple of days before coming loose at the most inopportune time. The only other real issue you may face is getting the PS pump back onto the mount on the engine. It is sometimes necessary to file a SMALL amount of the mounting bracket/bush on the pump to get it to fit back in to the mount on the engine.

AJFeroza wrote:
To check that your voltmeter isn't faulty, test your voltages with a multimeter (even a cheapy $10 Dick Smith one is adequate). At 18volts, you will probably find you're popping globes everywhere in the vehicle and other things such as number 3 fan setting, possibly your stereo, etc.

When I had this problem about 1-2 years ago I left it for a day of driving nothing really happened (the windows where going up-down in 2 seconds!!) the only thing I noticed the battery was getting earmed up.....
Replaced the regulator of the alternator next day.....

I don't have a feroza but have the (dis)pleasure of regularly working one one at the moment... Although I can't remember what the access to it is like, but when I had the charade, after taking it '4x4ing' I'd just get in behind the block with the can of degreaser and go nuts for a while - then bugger off and have a beer, shag, or bite to eat - come back and go nuts with the pressure washer, then give it a good slather of WD40, 2-26 or some kind of canned breast implants (Silicone)...

If its do-able could save you the fun and enjoyment of pulling the PS pump out...

tehekho wrote:I don't have a feroza but have the (dis)pleasure of regularly working one one at the moment... Although I can't remember what the access to it is like, but when I had the charade, after taking it '4x4ing' I'd just get in behind the block with the can of degreaser and go nuts for a while - then bugger off and have a beer, shag, or bite to eat - come back and go nuts with the pressure washer, then give it a good slather of WD40, 2-26 or some kind of canned breast implants (Silicone)...

If its do-able could save you the fun and enjoyment of pulling the PS pump out...

Yep, that may work. I'll have a look on mine when I get home tonight.

You really should pull it though to check the PS pump, AND I find that proper disassembly of the regulator gives longer lasting.... results. (Sorry, thought I was caught in an AMI ad there for a tick

Thanks for that detailed response ill do that this sunday.