The infamous Check Gauges light came on today. I guess it's a good warning to look at the gauges and see what may be amiss. WHen the light came on, I looked at the gauges and saw the voltage gauge had gone all the way to the right. When I switched the heat and radio off, the light went out and the voltage gauge went down to just above middle, still charging. When I got home, I checked the code by using the on and off key 3 times method and got code P1594. The service manual reads:

P1594 -
Charging System Voltage Too High
Battery voltage sense input above target charging voltage
during engine operation.

Because I recently had the serp belt off to replace the thermostat and back-flush the heater core, could something as simple as not having the serp belt tight enough or too tight cause the overcharge warning? I have a torque wrench but there is not enouogh room between the radiator and engine to check the torque on the tensioner bolt.

Thanks, guys -

 

sounds to me like the regulator or something within the alternator may be on it's way out.

 

I don’t think the S-belt would cause an over charge condition you have an alternator problem, battery problem or other related device problem like the battery temp sensor

Sounds like 00DakDan to the rescue to me

 

Thanks, magnethead... but ooo, why don't I like the sound of that? $125 at Christmas time...Hi honey, I need a new alternator!

 

You guys live on here don't you!?!? And I am darn glad you do because I ALWAYS know where to turn.

 

Get autozone to run an alternator test on the system they do that for free it should test the battery also

 

A loose belt should be a low charge situation, not overcharge.

The regulator is IN the PCM. Let's hope it's not that. Make sure that all connections are clean and tight on the alternator and at the battery.

 

Hey 00DAKDAN - thanks for checking in.
If the PCM is the computer on the passenger side fender, I had the that replaced in April of 2009 at the same time the mechanic replaced the crankshaft positioning sensor. I put a new battery in maybe 2 years ago but every once in a rare blue moon, in the morning when I start it, and there is nothing from the engine. I have had to loosen the negative cable, wiggle it and retighten. Then it fires right up. Only a couple of times but has happened.

 

Good idea.

 

Check the battery cables carefully. You seem to have a known problem there. A bad ground or other loose connection can cause the regulator to overcharge.

If the cable end is loose, you have a bad connection. Don't use the "bolt-on" style connector, they are temporary at best. The best option is to replace the cable.