changed out the alternator as well as the battery and the overvoltage protection relay and the system still doesn't charge more than 12 volts. If i was a climber i would say that i am at the end of my rope.

More info.... is the belt in good condition and the tensioner working properly? Did you measure the output at the alternator? If it is 14V or more, did you trace it through to the battery?

Steve

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'91 MB 190E 2.3
'08 RAV4 Ltd 3.5
'83 Lazy Daze m'home 5.7

belt is in good shape. output at rear of alternator is 13.5v but at the battery no more than 12 regardless of RPM's. also if i wiggle the overvoltage sensor,engine speeds up about 400 rpm for about three seconds then drops back down but no change in volts at the battery

For what it's worth, when I asked my parts guy for a replacement cable from the alternator to the connector block, he mentioned to also check the connector block because they sometimes go bad due to corrosion.

As far as the OVP Relay, it sounds like you have an internal problem or perhaps it isn't fully seated. If you lose power from the OVP Relay to the Idle Control Valve, the idle speed will increase.

Just a thought.

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible