Lately I've noticed that the battery gauge reads exremely high... About 3/4 of the way while driving & almost red when idling on cold startup.
I just checked the voltage @ the battery (cold startup) & it reads 19.4V!!! Is this normal? I'm guessing no but need to hear your opinions. What would cause this? Alternator going perhaps.
Any info would be great,
Thanks

 

If your reading is accurate, that is too high and you risk damaging components from over-voltage. Have your alt tested. Sounds like the voltage regulator has a problem.