Bit of a strange one in the mornings the car sounds a bit slow on the first 2 turns then speeds up and starts, I thought battery is on the way out but when I test the battery I am getting the following readings which are to high...

 

Car not running voltage shows as 17.2 Volts. 

When car is is started\cranked over voltage drops momentarily to 13.2 Volts then jumps up-to 21.3 Volts.

When car is idling the battery voltage is showing as 21.3 Volts.

 

I thought these are to high and that the cranking voltage should not drop below 9.5 Volts and on idling should be around 14.4 Volts (not the 21.3 Volts that I am getting. I have used two different multi-meters and both are giving the same readings. I am worried that this could be something else as if the battery was on its way wouldn't it be showing less voltage readings and not high ones I am getting, just wondered if any one has any suggestions as I didn't want to fit a new battery if its not this that's the issue. Thanks everyone

 

The car is a 1.3 petrol Toyota Corolla.

Edited 19 November, 201312 yr by justinbarrow

voltage regulator is toast.

 

time for a new one/alternator

If you were really getting 21.3v, then everything would be fried and the car wouldn't run.

If you were really getting 21.3v, then everything would be fried and the car wouldn't run.

 

Just borrowed another meter from brother in law and tested again and got similar readings this time the voltage was 19.5 Volts while running

 

15.1 volts when car is off and not running 

12.3 volts momentarily while cranking

 

This was the 3rd meter used and I am just glad nothing has been fried - why so high voltage if the voltage regulator has gone wouldnt it be putting out less voltage as opposed to more - Looks like a trip to the garage tomorrow then.

I had a similar problem when I owned a VW411. The VW dealer in Malta changed the battery twice when I complained about acid fumes in the car. When the problem persisted, I fitted a voltmeter and discovered that the charging voltage was over 15V. IIRC the fix was a new voltage regulator.

As above, the Voltage Regulator is goosed. Just fit a known good 2nd hand alternator, cheap enough fix.

Edited 19 November, 201312 yr by Ade VRS

Another vote for the voltage regulator; if I'd a fiver for every message I've read about failed regulators and overcharging on the Felicia forum...

Voltage regulator as mentioned, and consider replacing as a matter of urgency and try to avoid driving the car if at all possible. Over voltage can fry major components, and the cost of repair can end up being a lot more than an alternator/regulator. If the ECU goes then it could well be beyond economic repair.

Got it sorted new battery and alternator so least that one thing done, But then dropping our child off at school and what happens they open the door and the wind too the door and bang took some lady's trim of her passenger wing mirror. So I told her to get 2 quotes and I will pay for the damage luckily there was no bodywork damage on mine and the other car and her wing mirror wasn't smashed so it was just the trim but it will have to be sprayed to match the colour of the car.

 

When I offered to pay for the damage she said "are you sure" it wasn't her fault bless her, anyway our child got a right good bol&*king before school  :no:

 

What a start to the day its been.

Some people who had minor damage such as that ladies car you hit would claim for a new car.

Some people who had minor damage such as that ladies car you hit would claim for a new car.

 

I know what you mean, Just thankful she wasn't driving nearer otherwise it would of been worse and then if it had happened a second sooner our door would of hit the front of hers and took our door off. She was fed up though but seemed to be ok when we offered to pay for the damage. I checked her car and there was no bodywork/paint damage and took a picture of both mine and her car. Ours amazingly hasn't got a scratch.

 

Made a hell of a noise though when it happened - The missus told our son to wait but kids these days don't seem to listen - nightmare.

And I don't think our sons pocket money will cover it