dime1622

ok so im having problems with my electrical system. some times, it will not charge and read like 11 volts, then it will kick back up and read 14 volts, then back and forth every few minutes. and sometimes when i slow down everything goes out and all the gauges shut off and the radio turns off. it then kicks back in a few seconds later. do i have a relay going bad? what could this be?

SidViscous

Loose connection. Going to have to do a bit of digging.

IceShark

It's probably your alternator or voltage regulator going bad. How hot is the weather? Doubt it is loose connections, but could be.

You have a couple options. Only problem is you need to remove the alternator which is not such an easy job on a 951. Trust me on this.


Try replacing the voltage regulator and have it bench tested. The regulator is cheap (I sell them for $16.50). Most stores will bench test for free but you could put the alt back into your car and test which is a lot of work, see above.

I also have the opportunity to get rebuilt Bosch alternators for around $200 without a core charge. Keep that in mind if you need to replace the whole alternator.

SidViscous

Also replace the regulator, cheap and worth it in any case.

dime1622

yeah its 95 here with 110 heat index, where is the voltage regulator? i wanna look at it tomorrow......

nine-44

I beleive it's on the back of the alternator.

IceShark

It is on the back of the alternator held on by 2 screws. You can't miss it.

The problem you face is you have a 951 and really can't get at it without removing the alternator. I've sold almost 300 regulators and I haven't heard one report that someone was able to replace the regulator in a 951 with the alternator and turbo in place.

How many miles are on the current alternator/regulator? The brushes attached to the regulator are probably worn down to tiny nubs. So pull the alt, replace the regulator, test the alternator and put things back together.

Make sure the heat shield and cooling hose are on the rear of the alternator.

sm

I second that it may be worn down voltage regulator brushes. I had the same symptoms and ended up being stranded on the highway 100 miles away from home. Are you scared yet?

You *MAY* be able to replace the regulator without taking the alternator out, as I was able to replace the positive cables with the alternator in the car. However, I think the regulator is located towards the bottom of the back of the alternator which would then, like Iceshark said, require removal of the whole thing. Good luck.

IceShark

sm, yes, you can get the positive alternator cable on and off with the alt in place but the regulator is another kettle of fish. You have to get a screwdriver on the screws and hold the regulator down including the spring loaded brushes.

I don't think it can be done but people have built boats in bottles. Plan on going through a couple regulators as you perfect your skills because the brushes will snap in half pretty darn easy.

944Play

Me too, but not in a Porsche. And it was more like 1000 miles.

Tbenedikt

electrical gremlins can be very frustrating to diagnose you need to pick a starting point and work from there. Check all connections and all grounds. I would think that you might need to check your alternator and regulator as well. If you need more info call me at 1-800-741-5252