I started my truck this morning and everything seemed ok. When I started driving the battery light went on and the voltage meter showed very high. When I stopped at a light the voltage would lower back into the normal range. Using lights and wipers while stopped would make the voltage go down more, but if driving it wouldn't make much difference. Was just about at the red line the whole time.

Any ideas?

 

Update

Tried starting my truck after work. It would try to turn over, but then would make a clicking sound. Great way to start the weekend

 

The charge system has lost regulation.
If this is allowed to go on, the following will happen;
1. Bulbs burn out.
2. Battery gets cooked.
3, Alternator runs to hot at full output and may burn the diodes, wear the brushes excessively etc..

 

Thanks,
I have to go back to school in jan where I will be within walking distance. I was hoping to make it to the end of december. Hopefully I don't have to spend to much $$ to get me rolling.

 

Sorry but this kind of problem can't be left go and still drive the truck.
It ends up costing even more than now.
You need an alternator and possibly a battery.
The regulator is referenced to about 14 volts.
If the alternator is allowed to run 'wide open' at 16 volts +, it ruions too many other parts as well as boils the cells in the battery dry and overheating the plates into deterioration. Acid all over and terminal corrosion etc.

 

The battery I have is quite old so a replacement would probably be a good thing. I may need a new starter/solenoid as well as I banged on it for a week or 2 in the spring. It started working again so I left it though. Thanks again for the help.