The car would not start, turning the key made a sound of clicking like a dead battery would do. Noticed the fog lamps are dim. I jump the car, drive to car parts store, they check the cold crack amps and it is in spec. Go home, get out multimeter and running at 2000 rpm it gives me 16.5 volts, and when car is off 14.5. Talk to a few people and they think it is a voltage regulator, which in this year of car is the alternator. I replace the alternator, and belt since I am there, but get the same results on the voltage. Car seems to run like normal, is this reallyl a normal voltage level for a 07 camry 4 cyl and I just wasted my money?

 

Standard voltage listed is 13.2 - 14.8 @ 2000 rpm. Yours seems high but if the second alt is the same who knows.

The 14.5v is battery voltage which should be something like 12.8v after the battery has sat for a few hours engine off.

Is your volt meter working OK?

Corroded or bad battery cable terminals can cause starting issues.

If the "dead battery" issue happens again take battery voltage with all electrical items off. A fully charged battery is something like 12.8 volts.

12.4v = 50-75% charge.

12V and lower = 0 to 25%

If the battery has removable covers to access the battery water suggest checking this. A high charge voltage can boil the water out of the battery.

 

don't take any chances, why? buy dollar worth battery cleaning tool, dielectric grease, and battery sealant. clean both terminals and battery poles, set cable terminals all the way down flush with plastic, and make sure they stay there. before setting them, lubricate poles and terminals with dielectric grease, then seal with sealant.