loonysalmon

Hey all, I had a bit of a problem with my 2002 impala not starting so I decided to get a jump as I figured the battery had drained out after sitting for the past month. I got a jump and was checking my voltage across the battery terminals and was surprised when I saw that it was showing +23.2V.

So right then I disconnected the battery and went to take the connectors off when the positive terminal started pulling off (mind you these are sidepost batteries). I cleaned out the inside of the positive terminal because there was a tonnnnn of corrosion but after cleaning realized that the battery was actually leaking. So of course I got another battery and checked voltage across terminals before putting it in and it was sitting at 12.5. I tossed it in the car and started it up to find out that afterwards it was putting out 19 volts again.

Largely this leads me to believe that there is a problem with a voltage regulator, however I have no idea what to look for or replace, other than knowing that it is related to the alternator.

Can you guys help me diagnose what the actual problem is? I have only today to fix this problem because I have a final exam at school on Tuesday and need monday to drive up there. Please help me with this ASAP. I've been a member of the CB7tuner forums for a number of years and they were always helpful to people; I am sure this family is the same!

-Tom
2002 Impala 3400