Amp getting too much power

[91Firebird]

For some reason the charge goes up in my car occasionally (almost to 18). I am on my 3rd alternator in about 2 months and the same thing keeps happening. Anyway, when this happens, my amplifier automatically shuts off then turns on again when the charge goes down to normal. Is there a device I can buy that will limit the amount of power sent to my amplifier? I am not worried about messing up the amp because like I said it automatically shuts off, and I have the 3 year warrantee, but I just want to be able to listen to my music even if the charge is high. Thanks.

[96firebird311]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by 91Firebird:
For some reason the charge goes up in my car occasionally (almost to 18). I am on my 3rd alternator in about 2 months and the same thing keeps happening. <hr></blockquote>HMMMMM..... that's strange. This is not normal. You're amp is going into protection, just as it should. You don't wanna regulate the amount of power going to the amp. LOL! Most people have the opposite problem!
:D The problem is with whatever is making your alt. do that. Not with the amp.

[DrMilhouse]

Get the voltage regulator for your alternator checked out. Whatever is causing your voltage to go that high is probably what is causing your alternators to fry.

[96firebird311]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by DrMilhouse:
Get the voltage regulator for your alternator checked out. <hr></blockquote>
I was going to suggest that, but isin't the regulator ON the alt.? And I figured if he replaced the alt. 3 times...... then the voltage regulator must be good...... no?

[RSFireDog]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by 96firebird311:

I was going to suggest that, but isin't the regulator ON the alt.? And I figured if he replaced the alt. 3 times...... then the voltage regulator must be good...... no?<hr></blockquote>

Sometimes its an individual unit, sitting right next to the alternator. That is most probably your problem though.

[96firebird311]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by RSFireDog:
Sometimes its an individual unit, sitting right next to the alternator. <hr></blockquote>

On an F-body? Are you sure?
:D

[91Firebird]

Yes, the regulator is inside the alternator unit, that's why I've tried replacing the whole unit several time (it's a lifetime warrentee so it's free for me). The alternator hasn't fried or anything, its just that the problem gets worse over time, and that's the only thing I can think of that could fix the problem. The charging problem usually comes back a few weeks after I install the new alternator.

I have taken it to several mechanics and none of them can fix the problem. Do you think a Pontiac delership can fix the problem? I haven't tried there, but I bet it is expensive. Whenever I take it to a mechanic they say the problem didn't occur (it only happens at certain times, usually when I am on the freeway). I even had my alternator/starter/battery tested and they all came out fine. One of the mechanics said he got a code 32 (or it might have been 52), anyway he said that it meant there was an overcharging problem, lol, well thanks a lot I would have never guessed, the charge meter goes up almost to the redline. Also, the strange thing is that lets say the charge meter goes up when I am driving on the freeway, if I would slam on the gas and rev the rpms, the charge would go down temporary to normal. Another thing is that when the charge is high, it feels like the car jumps between 4th and 3rd gear (when I am on the freeway). This doesn't happen everytime the charge goes up though. Anyone have any advice on what is going on here? Thanks.

[96firebird311]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by 91Firebird:
Yes, the regulator is inside the alternator unit, that's why I've tried replacing the whole unit several time <hr></blockquote>

That's what I thought. Man..... I don't know. If it was me.... I would take it to the dealership. You can get them to do a diagnostic. Then once they tell you what it is...... turn right around and fix it yourself!!! HAHAHAHA!!! :D

[black cali v6]

I just got a new battery from the dealership(warranty) and my car does something similar. The voltmeter swings way up (not to 18 but like 16) and dips down to the lower redline (10 or so?).

NO IDEA WHY

it never did that before, even with my same system installed.

zack

[DrMilhouse]

Your dealership replaced the stock battery even though you have an after market stereo? You're pretty lucky for sure.

I only know how to replace alternators, I'm not really sure how they work. I would suggest that you pop over in to one of the tech forums and ask them if they know what would cause your alternator to put out too much voltage.

As a test for now (and they'll blame the amp anyway) would be to just completely remove the amp and see if it keeps happening after the amp is removed.