Voltage Spikes: Did I fry anything?

therocketbox

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2003 Mazda Protege 5
So the voltage regulator goofed on me yesterday. I first guessed it because my head lights/dash lights would get abnormally bright at around 2000 rpm and then dim. I hooked my multimeter up and idle voltage was 14.8v and way over 18v at 2000 rpm. I blew out my head lights and I'm pretty sure that there should be more damage. I figured that all of the major electrical components like the computer would be protected from surges but I'm not familiar with that part of car electrical. My car still runs fine, no CEL and the battery is good; 12.5 float with the engine off.

So do you think my car is fine? It was exposed to high voltage more than once but not for very long.
Also: Will replacing my alt fix the problem? The alternators in P5s are internally regulated right?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
I'm fairly certain that your alternator is bad and yes, it should have internal regulation. Fuses in your car protect against shorts and power surges, so as long as everything is working, your next step should be to take your alternator to your local auto parts store and have them test it for you.
 
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