Electrical Problem with my XT-6 -- Overcharging

[Vince Heuring]

I have an '87 XT-6. This afternoon when I started the car, I thought I
heard a soft *pop* under the hood. When it started the voltmeter showed
16-17 volts. Only when I put a lot of load on the charging sysem by
turning on all the lights etc. would the voltage stay below 14 volts,
and then only at speeds below 50. When I stopped the car the battery
top was damp with battery acid.

I'm assuming it's the voltage regulator, no? Where *is* the voltage
regulator on this thing?

TIA, Vince

 

[mulder]

I have an '87 XT-6. This afternoon when I started the car, I thought I
heard a soft *pop* under the hood. When it started the voltmeter showed
16-17 volts. Only when I put a lot of load on the charging sysem by
turning on all the lights etc. would the voltage stay below 14 volts,
and then only at speeds below 50. When I stopped the car the battery
top was damp with battery acid.

I'm assuming it's the voltage regulator, no? Where *is* the voltage
regulator on this thing?

TIA, Vince

The regulator should be integral in the alternator so you'll need a
new one. Obviously it's not good to drive the car until you get it
fixed. You may need a new battery as well if it's been damaged by
overcharging.

 

[AS]

I had a similar problem in a 95 Legacy. The overcharging melted the
fuse box, fried the fusible link, etc.

In order to drive the car to the shop, I disconnected the IGN wire plug
from the alternator and ran with the battery power to prevent further
damage.

The regulator is inside the alternator, and on the online parts catalog,
the voltage regulator is listed as a separate part, you may be able to
get it from the dealer. The alternator for an Outback is listed for 197

Good luck

 

[Vince Heuring]

Thanks, guys, that was what I figured.

Vince

I had a similar problem in a 95 Legacy. The overcharging melted the
fuse box, fried the fusible link, etc.

In order to drive the car to the shop, I disconnected the IGN wire plug
from the alternator and ran with the battery power to prevent further
damage.

The regulator is inside the alternator, and on the online parts catalog,
the voltage regulator is listed as a separate part, you may be able to
get it from the dealer. The alternator for an Outback is listed for 197

Good luck

 

[johninKY]

I have 2 XT6s. Wonderful cars. Visit www.XT6.net. You'll like it.

John

 

[Edward Hayes]

Normal charging voltage is 14.0-14.4 volts.