Cherokee Voltage Issues

[HogeySpooner]

I have a 99 XJ 4.0L I'm having voltage issues with. Under normal circumstances my voltage gauge reads 14v. When the engine reaches normal operating temp my voltage will spike to 19v and stay there. It doesn't seem to do it when it's real cold out. Bad alternator?

 

[marvilusone]

Check your voltage at your battery terminals with a voltmeter first. Your gauge may be wrong. Otherwise the voltage regulator may have taken a dump.