Post by aero on Sept 29, 2007 5:21:56 GMT -5
I have no idea what a 'Maxim' is, but I do know that on some regulators the 'spare' wire is a voltage sense line. This normally connects somewhere on the live, switched feed (after the ignition switch) in the wiring loom.
If this is what this green wire is and you don't have it connected the regulator will be seeing a low voltage so it will be ramping to its maximum output to restore this 'low volts' situation. Could be why its giving 16 volts.
When checking the charging system I find it easier to just put the mulitmeter leads on the battery terminals and select the volts range. Less chance of doing damage. Using the current method is OK, but if you draw more then 10 amps you will bend the meter, if you connect it up backwards you will bend it to. The meter will have a fuse on the amps ramps range, but this only stops things catching light, the meter very often will be damged before before the fuse in it goes if you over load it.
If this is what this green wire is and you don't have it connected the regulator will be seeing a low voltage so it will be ramping to its maximum output to restore this 'low volts' situation. Could be why its giving 16 volts.
When checking the charging system I find it easier to just put the mulitmeter leads on the battery terminals and select the volts range. Less chance of doing damage. Using the current method is OK, but if you draw more then 10 amps you will bend the meter, if you connect it up backwards you will bend it to. The meter will have a fuse on the amps ramps range, but this only stops things catching light, the meter very often will be damged before before the fuse in it goes if you over load it.