18 volts?

[killakobra]

just for kicks i grabbed a multi-meter to test how much voltage was going to my radio (i got bored) and it it came up at 18 point some odd volts. This had me worried. i know most car electronics are made for around 12 volts plus or minus a couple. any ideas why i'm getting 18 volts and how bad is it?

[Thunderfoot]

Check your volts at the battery with the motor off and then with it running. 18V is way to much, should be around 13.5-14.5 max with the motor running and around 12-12.5 with motor off.
Your Voltage regulator could be bad.

[killakobra]

it's around 11.9 with the engine off and 18 volts at the batt with it running. i have a spare voltage regulator i can test. maybe that's why my dash lights don't work