TRunner

I asked this at DodgeTalk, but those guys seem to only know how to add mirrors in your engine compartment and pay folks to put on new wheel and stereos....

My wife's Durango dinged at her yesterday while driving and then the volt meter started rising and pegged the meter. She then called me and I told her to shut it down and restart it as I am aware most electrical problems seem to be intermittent. Sure enough it is fine now, but I told her to keep an eye on it as I can't get to it until this weekend. My only question is:

What could this be? Is there a separate regulator or is probably the alternator it's self?

MTL_4runner

Most voltage regulators are built into the alternator and are not replaceable.
To correct the problem you need to buy a new alternator.

.....look for any lose/corroded connections and check voltage before replacing the alternator.

TRunner

That took all but a couple minutes for an informative responce!!!!

I still haven't gotten anyone with a clue in DodgeTalk. Thanks!

Would corroded connectors cause it to do that or is most likely a failing alternator?

MTL_4runner

Corroded connections could do that but not likely in Houston.

TRunner

Actually, just because we have no snow doesn't mean didly poop down here. When it is concidered "dry" out is when we have less then 80% humidity. It could be the case. I will start there in any case. Thanks guys!

Rick F.

Corroded connections? Only on an alternator where the design would allow for the voltage to run away if you lost a field winding. I didn't think that design was used in automotive applications. But what the heck do I know? I work at a power plant.

MTL_4runner

Doesn't quite work like that....

Here is some sites on alternator basics:
http://www.bcae1.com/charging.htm
http://www.vtr.org/maintain/alternator-overview.html
http://www.autoshop101.com/trainmodu...or/alt101.html
http://www.mgcars.org.uk/electrical/...lternator.html