Voltage Fluctuating - 2009 4.6

[YourFavoritePlumber]

Hello,

My ‘09 4.6 has been having electrical issues. The lights on dash dim and throb/pulsate like the car has a heartbeat.

As you can see in the video, the menu, voltage changes from 13.0 to 16.9.

I just bought a new battery and it didn’t do anything.

Could this be the alternator? I notice a burning smell when reving hard too.

 

[joegr]

That's a failed voltage regulator. Stop driving before you burn out some of those expensive electronics modules.
While it's probably the voltage regulator in the alternator, there is also a small chance it could be the wiring to the alternator.

 

[G-7511]

That's a failed voltage regulator. Stop driving before you burn out some of those expensive electronics modules.
While it's probably the voltage regulator in the alternator, there is also a small chance it could be the wiring to the alternator.

Thank you for the reply.

Would my best bet be to buy an alternator and head to an independent shop?

I dont have the space/know how to swap it out my self.

 

[joegr]

Thank you for the reply.

Would my best bet be to buy an alternator and head to an independent shop?

I dont have the space/know how to swap it out my self.

If you won't be doing the work yourself, then I think that it would be best if you let them diagnose it (it could be the car's wiring) and let them source the alternator if it is regulator (likely). That way may cost a little more, but then the work would be guaranteed. If you purchased the alternator and it was defective, you could get a replacement, but you would have to pay the labor all over again to replace it. If they source, whatever happens it is their problem and you shouldn't have to pay again.