QuestionQUESTION: i bought a t reg Hyundai accent, the stereo keeps randomly cutting out and when this happens the headlights glow brighter,i think the fans power also increases. please help! UK
ANSWER: It sounds like you have a problem with the voltage regulator in the alternator producing too much voltage. If you'd like to check, you can attach a voltmeter to the cigarette lighter socket or something similar inside the vehicle. The voltage should be between 13.5 and 15.5V. On Hyundais, I typically see 13.8 to 14.0V. If you get anything in excess of 15.5V, you should replace the alternator.
Use extreme caution when driving the car. If the alternator is indeed providing excessive voltage, it can damage just about every electrical and electronic component in the vehicle.
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QUESTION: I'm really sorry to bother you again?! i took the car out today to test the voltage and it was 14 volts....but the radio didn't cut out or headlights get any brighter...is there anything else i should try before taking it to a garage?
AnswerNo bother.
Unless one of your malfunction indicator lamps came on (air bag or check engine), there's little the shop will be able to do in terms of diagnosis unless the problem occurs.
14V is about normal when everything is operating properly. What you want to be able to do is check the voltmeter when the problem occurs.
