Too much amp output

I recently got an 180 amp installed in my 3.1 Monte Carlo by certified professionals. After the installation they measured it and it said it was putting out 18.22+ amps. They said this could fry the computer. Anyone know what's up with it, or what I can possible do to make it safe for my car?

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1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm

You mean 18.22 volts, right?  Yes, that is too high and you shouldn't run your car with that.  I bet your car requires an alternator with internal voltage regulator and your new HO unit doesn't have one.  Did you get a model designed for GM cars?

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I live about 5 miles away from my work, I was wondering if it would be safe to drive the car home even while it's putting out this many volts. Will it fry the computer or screw anything eles up? 

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1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm

Don't drive the car.....bad things WILL happen.

Think about the sensativity to some of the aftermarket things you've put in cars in the past.....now imagine that from an OE standpoint.....stuff wil die, don't take the chance. DYon nailed it...no voltage regulation.

The first thing to go will be your battery, that will make one hell of a mess. You seen an overcharged battery ain't ya?

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What would be the easiest solution to my problem?

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1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm

go to an autoparts store and ask for a external voltage regulator they should have a few that will work just fine

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2009 0-1000 Trunk WR 154.0DB 2009 1001+ Trunk WR
2007 USACI World Champion
2007 World Record
2006 USACI Finals 2nd Place

If you just want to get it home disconnect the alt. your battery should be strong enough to get you home.

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Yeah well my battery is either fried or dead. I'll find out tomorrow hopefully(Had it towed to the shop that put the alternator in.) My Antilock light came on leaving work, supposedly that means that the antilock system won't work now. Should I have them run some sort of diagnostic to see if any other systems were affected? Any clue if that is a sign it overloaded the system?

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1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm

I would have them run a full diagnostic and raise hell with the shop until they fix EVERYTHING that may have been damaged by this over-voltage condition.  This could mean a new car depending on the extent of the damage.  Any reputable shop should know better than to put an unregulated alternator into a car that requires a regulated model.  If your shop does not have the gear to properly test every system in your car, have it towed to a Chevy dealer and charge the shop whatever it costs to fix.  If they refuse to pay it's laywer time.  But that's just me...

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If they new about the over voltage problem, they should not have let you take the car unless you sign a waiver or something....you didn't sign a waiver saying you were happy with the work now did you?

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2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.

Exactly, no one should have given you the car, rather arranged you some means of transportation in the meantime.  I do agree that you should have them run a full diagnostic, and if you're not satisfied, then have your dealer take a look.  Your ABS light could be as simple as a blown fuse, but could also be a more serious issue with the BCM.

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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.

Ok, I'm not sure on the setup they did on my car, hopefully I will find that out today to find out if this was a shop error or not. I'm not sure how strict the liability would be on the shop since I brought my own alternator and not a store purchased one in. And no, I didn't sign any waiver, though I personally feel at fault for driving it I guess even with the warning.

As for Alterstart, I got in contact with them already and they said it should have a regulator on it, so if the alternator was put in correctly, should I pursue them for the damages or still the shop? (Assuming there is anything more than the battery being fried, because I'll eat that well enough to just get a running car again.)

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1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm

If it has a regulator in it then it is faulty. I would ask for a whole new alternator and a replacement battery from alterstart.

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Nik
Jeeputer Progress
[|||||||||||-] 90%
Check it out.

What about any electrical issues? And more so, what if they push the issue I still operated it after knowing it was that high? I have justified reasons, but stupidity doesn't hold worth anything legally.

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1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm

Ok update on this situation:

Getting my old alt put back in today so I have a freaking car again. *sigh* I asked them to check over the wiring instructions Alterstart gave me with the alternator. The only thing slightly off he said was that he used the new 4 Gauge cable with the old (6 or 8 Gauge I'd guess) as well. Like both connected to the alternator and to the same spot on the starter. This wouldn't affect the alternator in anyway would it? He said it'd just be like using a 2 gauge wire basically, which kinda makes sense but I wanna be absolutely SURE before I send the alternator back.

Concerning Alterstart:

Go figure, they won't take liability for any damage done to my vehicle because of their faulty component. Not sure what law would be doing in this case if my computer is whacked.

EDIT: Reply ASAP on that wire thing would be great BEFORE they switch it out in the next hour or 2.

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1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm

the wire thing is perfectly fine, it wont affect your voltage at all, ,all it will do is benifit you by allowing more amperage to pass, which is what you want.

As for alterstart..did they say they tested the unit before they sent it?  if they did you can ding them there, if not , then there a shi!!y company and you should send it back and never buy another product from them ever again.  I have a hook up with mechman alts i can get anyone a 5% discount off there normal price, that will be underway by next week.

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2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.

Well here's the alterstart thing:

They have a disclaimer on their site basically protecting them from being responsible for the damage to my car. And I won't pursue the shop as I am just as at fault as them, and they had no clue these morons provided me with a faulty piece of equipment. This alternator also came with a test sheet showing that it had a voltage regulator and it was set at 14.57 (14.55 hot) and Voltage regulater functions test within specs.  Output current tested at 12.8 volts. And its got some other stuff. (I can post after like 1 if you want when the g/f is home with a digi camera)

Concerning returns, I have to have an RMA # that I get through them. Not sure what the hell that is, and I dunno if I wanna even talk to these people right now. "No returns on electrical parts..." Would altenrator qualify as an electrical part?

EDIT: Found the part where it says no refunds. Dammit. NO REFUND/ 2 YEAR WARRANTY. *sigh* I don't see how they tested this alternator before it went out and didn't find that it had a defective part...

EDIT 2: Caution; If original equipment charge wire is used with the high output altenrator, serious damage to system electronic components may occur. Do not install circuit breaker or fusible link between Load Boss alternator and starting battery.

We are sure that the original wire isn't the problem? :/ Sorry, just really wanna get my business done with Alterstart.

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1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm

An RMA is a return materials authorization.  It is a tracking number and is standard procedure for sending something back to a company for repair or refund.

"Disclaimers" on web sites or printed material generally means nothing legally unless you signed an agreement stating that you accept their terms.  Did you sign anything?  If not, call an attorney if the damage to your car is substantial.  If the damage is small call the Better Business Bureau.

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Good point, I might contact one of my teachers from my college session and ask if he knows anything about this since he is a contract lawyer he might know how binding this would be. (Business Law 101, weee)

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1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm

A disclamer on a website won't hold up for more that 2 seconds in a court. They just say that to basically keep you from suing unless you know the law. I belive that nothing is binding in court unless you sign it. You see stuff on software, etc. that says by opening it, you agree to the terms of use....that's bull....

I'm not a lawyer, so you may wanna find out for shure

-Drew

i'd go to court if i were you. Tell them you bought an Aston Martin and they screwed it up, and have them reward you like $200,000. Seriously tho, call up a lawyer if they refuse to cooperate.

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"I don't play games. I play Nakamichi and that for real yo" - Probably some japanese kid said this in the early 80's trying to sell stereo out of his trunk lol.