Voltmeter Misbehaving

[BetaSteve]

The voltmeter in the instrument cluster (top left) has recently started behaving oddly. From it's normal position roughly in the middle, the indicator shoots across to the far right (excess +ve), accompanied by some odd clicks audible through the radio, then comes back to the normal position after a few minutes.

I'd be interested if anyone's comes across this before, and if it is early indication of a likely problem with the alternator ?

Cheers
Steve

[MattNoVAT]

Possibly the voltage regulator on the alternator it on its way out?  IIRC these can be replaced without changing the whole alternator.

[Lancia Beta 2000]

What brand is your voltage regulator?
bosch or marelli?
Have you measured the DC with a multimeter accross the battery, with engine on?

[MattNoVAT]

Steve

I'll try this tomorrow and post up the results, I cant recall which is fitted to my red coupe.  I also have a spare in the garage so will check the maker and whether the regulator can be replaced and if there are any p/n's

[MattNoVAT]

Steve,
Apologies but things got a tad busy at home, I did not get a chance to test my alternator for you. 

I'm away from my car now for a couple of weeks so maybe one of the other members can assist?

[MattNoVAT]

There are plenty of people on fleabay, in the past I have used VEHICLEELECTRICSLTD for regulators.  Just search eBay or look at item number:  300281182015

[BetaSteve]

Thanks all for the suggestions and help with this, all sorted now. Turned out to be a combination of:
1. Faulty battery; not helped by:
2. Low output from the alternator (13v), so the battery was not being charged during trips; and:
3. Dodgy earth connection to the voltmeter.

I now have a new battery, recondition alternator, a good earth, and one of those ctek 'smart' chargers to try and keep it good condition.

Cheers
Steve