alt/battery quest.

hi guys.
i noticed yesterday afternoon while i was driving home that my battery volt gage wasn't in its "normal" operating position.  i don't remember the numbers on the gage but the needle is usually straight up when i drive.  yesterday it was leaning toward the positive in about the 2:00 position.  like it was charging the battery.

can someone tell me where the needle should be when everything is running correctly?
i didn't have any problems with slow power windows so it didn't seem like the battery was sluggish.

i had the alt refurbished about a year ago so i'm hoping that's not the problem.

thanks everyone.

The gauge will show to the "+" side if the alt. is charging the battery, or if there is a sufficient load on the system to warrant the extra charge, such as headlights, or A/C blower, etc.
Before condemning anything as being a problem, you should first check the actual voltage the alt. is putting out. Normal voltage, engine running, at idle, should be around 14-14 1/2.
If it is putting out more than this at idle, with no accessories on/working, then you may have a regulator that is malfunctioning, or possibly a small short somewhere in the system that is causing the regulator to try to keep the system voltage steady.
Check the output of the alt. first, then check the voltage at the batt, and compare. You should have the same readings at both places. If not, have the alt. tested, and go from there.

thanks joel!

as always - you're the man!