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Thread: Voltage Meter Q

  1. #1
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    Default Voltage Meter Q

    On the 995 when driving the voltage goes from 12.5 to 14.1 when on the gas is this normal for it flutate that much? I know the voltage meter is not 100% accurate but that much difference? Just to note my battery is new.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Voltage Meter Q

    Quote Originally Posted by focalcivic
    On the 995 when driving the voltage goes from 12.5 to 14.1 when on the gas is this normal for it flutate that much? I know the voltage meter is not 100% accurate but that much difference? Just to note my battery is new.
    The voltage changes are due to alternator whine throughout the car's electrical system. It also means that your alternator is good and strong. So guess what? You now have a way to tell way ahead of time (maybe up to a month) before your alternator goes kaput. As your alternator dies that 14.1 max voltage will begin to drop off towards 12 volts.

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    Default Re: Voltage Meter Q

    Quote Originally Posted by focalcivic
    On the 995 when driving the voltage goes from 12.5 to 14.1 when on the gas is this normal for it flutate that much? I know the voltage meter is not 100% accurate but that much difference? Just to note my battery is new.
    This measure the Alternator when engine is running. Each car can be different, lots of variables. Chances are it will never be able to warn you ahead of time that your alternator is about to give out, at least no one has ever told of such an experience.

    For comparison, my V6 accord upon first startup is at 14 volts then after time, perhaps heat, it drops to around min 13's.

    On another 4 cyclinder car, it only toped out low 13's and settled around high 12's.

    Do you have any other electrical accesories, amps, etc.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Voltage Meter Q

    Quote Originally Posted by amoney
    Quote Originally Posted by focalcivic
    On the 995 when driving the voltage goes from 12.5 to 14.1 when on the gas is this normal for it flutate that much? I know the voltage meter is not 100% accurate but that much difference? Just to note my battery is new.
    This measure the Alternator when engine is running. Each car can be different, lots of variables. Chances are it will never be able to warn you ahead of time that your alternator is about to give out, at least no one has ever told of such an experience.

    For comparison, my V6 accord upon first startup is at 14 volts then after time, perhaps heat, it drops to around min 13's.

    On another 4 cyclinder car, it only toped out low 13's and settled around high 12's.

    Do you have any other electrical accesories, amps, etc.
    I have a 4 cyc. civic, I do have 1 amp. the car is about 12 years old and the orig alternator, I have noticed the 12.5 to 14.1 while driving.

  5. #5
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    Default

    It's been answered before on the forums, but most cars have a 12V electrics system, and if you use corded RD you must have 12v system. But this is a nominal 12V.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by SmaartAasSaabr
    It's been answered before on the forums, but most cars have a 12V electrics system, and if you use corded RD you must have 12v system. But this is a nominal 12V.
    Oh I know it has been answered, but I was worried is 12.5 to 14.1 changes normal while driving and not idling.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Voltage Meter Q

    Quote Originally Posted by amoney
    Quote Originally Posted by focalcivic
    On the 995 when driving the voltage goes from 12.5 to 14.1 when on the gas is this normal for it flutate that much? I know the voltage meter is not 100% accurate but that much difference? Just to note my battery is new.
    This measure the Alternator when engine is running. Each car can be different, lots of variables. Chances are it will never be able to warn you ahead of time that your alternator is about to give out, at least no one has ever told of such an experience.

    For comparison, my V6 accord upon first startup is at 14 volts then after time, perhaps heat, it drops to around min 13's.

    On another 4 cyclinder car, it only toped out low 13's and settled around high 12's.

    Do you have any other electrical accesories, amps, etc.
    It has warned me of both low battery and alternator failure, I enjoy the meter, since I got the bonneville it has also helped me since the bonneville's meter stops working for some reason half the time I start it up, so the meter on the detector helps a lot.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by focalcivic
    Quote Originally Posted by SmaartAasSaabr
    It's been answered before on the forums, but most cars have a 12V electrics system, and if you use corded RD you must have 12v system. But this is a nominal 12V.
    Oh I know it has been answered, but I was worried is 12.5 to 14.1 changes normal while driving and not idling.
    It did this on my S-10 as well, when you rev the engine it turns the alternator and you'll see a higher voltage, then if you turn A/C on it will drop a bit, if you push the breaks the voltage will drop when you step on the breaks, etc.. it can be an indication of a bad electrical system, or the alternator's wires not securely fastened, however if it doesn't drop below 12volts I wouldn't worry about it, the S10 fluctuated from 10.5 to 14.1 volts, then I got a new alternator and it would stay steady at 14.5 volts, then the wires were coming loose on the new alternator and it started fluctuating again, so I just fastened them better. You said you got a new battery, you might want to just check the battery connections make sure it's snug and secure, but I wouldn't worry too much if it doesn't drop below 12 volts

 

 

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