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10-04-2005, 06:13 PM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Southeast Tx
Posts: 1,302
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Voltage Question
OK you might file this under stupid question but you never know til you ask. My voltage gauge reads approx 15-16 volts at idle and cruise speed...approx 13-14 when lights are on. The needle is fairly steady so I know its got a good connection. Is it too much? I know the alt needs to recharge the battery but at what level...been like that for 3 yrs now. Just thought id see what you "pros" have to say! Thx
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"The rays of light thru the Shiner Bock bottle make me wanna turn the key and put down the throttle...and get lost down 35" - Jason Boland www.YouTube.com/user/593Films - Watch My Videos!  1977 Silverado K10 2014 Dodge Durango (Wife-mobile) 2008 Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition (Daily driver) |
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10-04-2005, 06:21 PM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Alton, Illinois
Posts: 90
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Not a stupid question... they dont exist.
As far as I know the normal voltage output on 12 volt systems is 14.4 volts. I know, why do they call it a 12 volt system, still figuring that one out. 14.4V is normal, If its anywhere above 11.5 its good. Just depends on how much crap you decide to plug in. |
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10-04-2005, 06:53 PM
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#3 |
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its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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15 to 16 is a bit high... but, nothing to worry about if you aren't blowing out lights and boiling batteries over.
You may want to double check the numbers with a quality digital multimeter... I'm thinking your aftermarket guage may be calibrated a volt high to acomidate the voltage drop found in most cars, and the voltage drop in your rig is a little less than typical. That's my theory. |
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10-04-2005, 07:06 PM
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Southeast Tx
Posts: 1,302
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I appreciate both of the responses... I guess im ok for now. I am running an Optima red top battery and have a good alternator...nothings getting blown out...YET.thx for the input...
__________________
"The rays of light thru the Shiner Bock bottle make me wanna turn the key and put down the throttle...and get lost down 35" - Jason Boland www.YouTube.com/user/593Films - Watch My Videos! 1977 Silverado K10 2014 Dodge Durango (Wife-mobile) 2008 Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition (Daily driver) |
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10-04-2005, 07:26 PM
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#5 |
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huh?
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Washington, Illinois
Posts: 5,692
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I agree with Andy on this one, check the output voltage with a quality multimeter. My voltmeter (VDO) read near 16 all the time, and didn't go down much with the lights on either. I finally checked it with a fluke multimeter, and I was running 14.2 volts while charging, which is totally ok. Sometimes gauges are just off a little.
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Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay |
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10-04-2005, 08:24 PM
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#6 |
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Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lewisville, Nc
Posts: 10,230
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15 volts is normal depending any thing below 13.5 isn't good myt truck charges at 15 16 volts is alittle too high
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