Voltage surges

1999 Hyundai Accent.


I'm getting these power surges intermittently while driving. When they will happen, the radio cuts out for a second or 2, the lights get brighter (sometimes even burn out). The car also loses a little power. And something must have been damaged in the air bag circuit.


I've hooked a meter up while driving to keep an eye on the voltage. Most of the time it runs along 14.5 or so, but during the surges it has reached 18.7

could it be the alternator or voltage regulator? I read something where it could be the connection at the plug of the alternator. But to get the plug off you pretty much have to take the alternator out. I spent a half hour trying to get it off with no luck. Can't see down there.


Could someone help me out on the diagnosis of this? Thanks!

I have not even raised the hood on a 1999 Hyundai Accent.

But I do know alternators and yours is a classic case of needing a brush change.

Most of the newer alternators have a regulator brush assembly.

Alternator Brushes

They can wear into a grooved pattern and the impact of driving can make them vibrate out of the normal groove.

Since the regulator has to increase output to jump the gap it does.

You can clean up the slider rings with abrasive paper.

You should be able to get the alternator fixed at most shops.

Later,

thanks man, you told me what I wanted to hear! i'll let you know how it all pans out.

decided to put a new alternator in it. I got the thing home and the pulley was seized on it... I'm heading back out to exchange it. not too happy...

got a new alternator, installed it, and everything is going good so far

woot.