Alternator overcharging?

Birdie2000

Birdie2000

Club Member
Just checked my voltage and at rest the battery is at 13.7v and at idle the system voltage is 15.5v. On a later model car (2000 Cavalier 2.4), what causes this? Would it mean I need a new alternator? What other kind of symptoms would this cause? Does the battery or anything else need to be replaced? I know it was enough to cause the battery to get hot because the corner of it has now melted two washer fluid tubes since their routing touches the corner of the battery.
 
Could be that the terminal that the alternator gets its refence voltage from is corroded. I would try unpluging the plug cleaning the terminals and see if it corrects itself. However the meter results look about 1 volt of so happy so I would confirm that meter reading first.
 
Yep, just replaced the battery in the meter and everything is normal again thank god. Still doesn't explain why I'm burning through washer pump hoses right where it comes in contact with the battery though. Maybe acid from with in it? It's turning the contact point into a sticky goo. I just replaced this thing a week ago to the tune of $33, and that is right where the factory routed the hose. Ah well, guess I'll patch or replace it and try and move it away from there.

Thanks guys.
 
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