Had a slight issue with turning over for a while, went away the last few days, was starting up right away. Went to dinner after work and couldn't get it started. Interior lights were flickering and the dash wasn't lighting up at all. No click from any relays. Checked fuses, all related to the dash and ignition system were good. I had been getting a CEL for too much voltage to the gauges, so maybe something cooked? I was able to get a jump start and it fired up and ran. The whole way home, it kept almost stalling and the lights were flickering and the radio kept turning on and off. For about 30 seconds the check gauges light came on and the voltage meter on the dash was pegged, but it immediately went back to around 14.

It's a bit dark right now and I don't have much for trouble lighting. Where should I start looking after getting the battery checked? From my understanding, the pcm controls voltage?

 

Well, overcharging can be a symptom of an alternator failing. You should test that as well. I would also check your main ground points and refresh them.

 

Good call. I will go have the alternator tested after work tomorrow. Does the alternator not have any type of regulator on it?

 

If I remember correctly the voltage is regulated by a circuit in the PCM.

 

Fingers crossed that I didn't fry that...

 

Alternator tested good, and I found out the bottom bolt was missing.... Ended up being a bad cell in the battery killing itself. Now we know, always go for the easiest thing to get while its pouring rain.....