# Alternator Voltage High **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** nissan, sentra\ **Created:** [July 23, 2009, 1:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator-voltage-high/33840 "2009-07-23T13:38:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![shaggyman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@shaggyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shaggyman)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2009, 1:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator-voltage-high/33840/1 "2009-07-23T13:38:04Z")
98 Nissan Sentra with 240K miles on it, very well maintained. The alternator is only three years old, but is now putting out over 16 volts, agreeably bad. Is there anyrepair/replacement possible of the internal regulator? ---
**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2009, 2:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator-voltage-high/33840/2 "2009-07-23T14:55:39Z")
It can be done but it is usually better to just replace the alternator with a remanufactured unit I feel. ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2009, 3:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator-voltage-high/33840/3 "2009-07-23T15:03:03Z")
Be sure you are getting the correct voltage reading, measured at the battery, with a known good meter. Do NOT start buying parts on the strength of a dashboard meter reading… ---
**Author:** ![markmast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4af34b/32.png) [@markmast](https://community.cartalk.com/u/markmast)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2009, 3:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator-voltage-high/33840/4 "2009-07-23T15:39:05Z")
I looked at the manual for a 98 maxima alternator, which I assume is similar to yours. The regulator replacemet doesn’t look to be too bad of a job. I’m not sure from the drawing if the front pulley is held on with a nut or pressed on to the shaft. If it is pressed on, you need special equipment to remove and install it. ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2009, 7:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator-voltage-high/33840/5 "2009-07-23T19:43:56Z")
Be sure to check the connection between the main output lead of the alternator and the battery positive cable. A disruption in this circuit can cause an artificically high voltage reading. Many vehicles use a fusible link in that circuit so a blown link is something to consider. If there is a problem in the alternator/regulator then the entire unit should be replaced.