charging/electical prop 2001 Grand Am

[Eagle88]

I am having a problem with my daughters grand am. Her Batt light is on, put a volt meter on the battery, and I get 17 volts. While driving, it will start by putting the abs light on, then all the warning lights come on, then tack and speedo stop working, then car shuts down, Still shows 17 volts on voltmeter. nothing will work, no lights, horn had autosone do a code scan and came up with nothing. Would just like to know where to start before throwing money at it.

Thanks

[richtazz]

sounds like the voltage regulator is stuck wide open and is overcharging the system. The computer is shutting it down to protect itself from getting fried.

[Eagle88]

thats what I was thinking. Too bad you can't just replace the regulator any more. Alot cheaper than a complete alternator. oh how I miss the 70's cars

[zirb]

Sounds like a alternator to me. My 99 did the same thing.