Hey guys. I have a Bel Pro 300 radar detector that detects voltage on my 04 RX8 (110k miles). This morning I turned on my lights as I was driving and it alerted me of the spike in voltage. As I was driving to work I noticed the voltage was all over the place as I was cruising. Lowest was around 10.4 and highest was 16.2. Normally it fluctuates between 12.2 and 14.8. Is it possible that I am at the beginning of an alternator failure? I know that they usually give no signs that they are going out.

Thanks,

 

It's going to either be alternator failure or one or more connection points is loose/corroding. Both can cause voltage problems.

Check connections, and if you don't find anything, get the alternator tested. A failing alternator can fry a lot of very expensive electronics in the car.

 

Sounds like the flux capacitor was unleashed and trying to operate on 1.21 gigawatts

Other than that I have no idea.

 

Get it tested at an alternator shop (not Autozone), my alternator started overcharging (rare) and caused about $2700.00 in damage (exploded battery, damaged ABS modulator, blew out tail lights and interior lights). The dealer could not properly diagnose it since the issue was intermittent and they were typical dealer tech idiots. So I removed the alternator myself and took it to get tested and sure enough it was overcharging. Then I was able to get my extended warranty to cover it and the work had to be done at the dealer because the new ABS modulator required the dealer computer to be programmed. I have only heard of this happening to one other member hear.

 

Oh that's not good. I will check all my terminals and connections and get her tested. Thanks for the replies gentlemen.