Getting 16+ volts! HELP!

[Diesel]

I was driving and noticed my AC fan suddenly speed up...voltage gauge went sky high and back in a few seconds. Well the whole way home it did that! I believe my 1991.5 has the voltage regulator on the cowl? Is that something I should be looking at changing now?

[cougar]

What typically causes this is a low reference voltage into the voltage regulator. A common place for this to occur is in the ignition switch, but could be anywhere in the feed between the battery and the regulator. The best plan is to 1, replace the ignition switch and 2, install a relay that will take the regulator power off the ignition switch and take it straight from the battery.

[Diesel]

Cougar...thank you for your help. The problem stopped all on its own...
I still want to fix it correctly.

No problem replacing the ignition switch...it gets to a million degrees in the summer sometimes.

In terms of relay - do you have a link to a write up?

[cougar]

I sent you a PM

[Diesel]

Thought I would update this thread:

At cougars suggestions I replaced the ignition switch. That fixed everything. Still haven't put anything on a relay but hopefully a new switch will keep me going for a couple more years.

A note about parts: I made the mistake of buying some junk taiwan part for $30-40 when I could have just purchased a new USA Mopar on eBay for $59.99. Of course I didn't search eBay until after I had already buttoned up the install with the junky switch I got at the parts store. I bought the best grade they had but it feels horrible, thinks the key is inserted half the time when its not, but in the end fixed my jumping voltage regulator issue.

[cougar]

I had an issue with the NAPA ones. When you tighten down the screws is would flex the housing causing the switch to bind. I placed some thin washers between the switch and the steering column to shim it. That fixed the binding issue.

[Diesel]

Yeah I think I'm gonna pop for the eBay one. Its new and the stock Mopar worked for 23 years...I doubt this chinese thing will.