The battery seems to be way overcharged. Burned out both headlights and everything is electrically hyperdrive. Any experience? Bad voltage regulator?

Help appreciated,

dick

Also fix fast because of toxic fumes that will enter cabin if the battery is venting fumes.....These will really mess you and yor nervous system up...This happened to me and my 850....

You have the classic symptoms of a bad regulator, but also look carefully at your battery and connections.

At least in some voltage regulating circuits the battery provides a reference voltage and base load. If so, even a good regulator will not work properly. This is why you should never disconnect your battery while the car is running. With very poor connections the battery will not provide a good reference for regulation (though often the car won't start either), and as Klaus states other parts can be damaged.

Whether due to a bad regulator or not, if the overcharging went on for a while (like a trip of several hours) your battery may have got very hot and boiled out a large fraction of its electrolyte. If a sealed or maintenance free battery, it could even have a damaged or leaking case from pressure. If it is a vented type you may need to add water. This is based on experience.

Don't mean to preach, but when checking the battery please shield your eyes - especially an overcharged battery may emit lots of hydrogen gas. See:

http://www.sightandhearing.org/sightcenter/battery.asp

I'm personally aware of 2 battery explosions though neither happened to me.

Will check connections this eve. Car has been over rough roads so things could have been loosened and messed up. Thanks--

dick

You hit the nail on the head. Voltage regulator. Fix it before you burn up everything in sight.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Thanks, Klaus. Can you replace just the regulator on these units as the old 7 and 9 series?

dick

Just found this thread:

http://brickboard.com/AWD/index.htm?id=882859

good luck,

Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Klaus:

Just a quick update on the volage regulator. I did get one from IPS and put it in according to the thread you suggested. It worked perfectly. I did use bungie cords to hold hoses away and removed the air cooler tube to the computer. Next small problem was the spring loaded new brushes which kept the regulator from staying in place. I used some waxed dental floss and tied the brushes down till the brush-regulator was in place but not tight. Removed the floss, tightened and all is well with proper voltage.

Thanks,

dick

Way to go! Another use for dental floss. Perhaps we shouldn't throw it away, just recycle it :)

Now is the time to check the voltage and make sure it is no longer at 19V+. When the battery is properly charged, the voltage with the car running and headlights on should be around 14.5V.

Klaus

It is good and things are operating at their normal pace-----

Thanks Klaus! I got the voltage regulator off without removing the alternator. Used some bungie cords to pull hoses away so they stayed away from work area. Just awaiting the new part. Of interest, the regulator is the same as on my 93 940 T. The local boys just don't know about Bosch products so will use my regular suppliers in Houston or IPS or FCP Groton.

dick

http://www.foreigncarpartsonline.com/
Look for 1994 850 engine electrical - around $75

Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)