IVR is the Internal Voltage Regulator. This is what controls the voltage coming out of the alternator. Now alternator can put out as much as 18 volts all day long, but obviously it will ruin your electrical if YOU LEFT IT at that voltage for a long period of time.
Ras was asking you to BRIEFLY bypass the IVR to make sure that the alternator is putting out the voltage, 14 plus volts. The IVR is responsible to limit the voltage output to usable level (between 13.1 to 14.5, roughly). You will be testing the alternator output with a DVOM (digital volt-ohm meter) only to make sure that the alternator is putting out the voltage. If you have more than 14 volts, than the alternator is good, but the IVR is bad.
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 AT 10:45 AM