1987Raider
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 05/12/02
Posts: 1085
Loc: Kentucky
|
|
Recently noticed that the volt guage (stock) shows no charging when I first start the engine. After maybe 10 seconds it will "pop" up to 12v, then go on up to about 14v when I start to get the engine rpm's up. Is this a problem with my guage, or with my alternator? I just noticed this in the last week or so, but I've not noticed the battery weak. Wouldn't want to get stranded if it really is the alt and not the guage -- what do you think?
Thanks!
Terry
--------------------
1987 Raider 2.6L Auto -- rebuilt, by hand, by me -- Bouncy Seat/LSD/Aisin Hubs -- CB/Whip Antenna --Jensen Stereo -- Fire extinguisher .
|
fasteddy
Web Wheeler
Reged: 01/30/01
Posts: 12703
Loc: Flat Creek, GA
|
|
I would say the gauge is mechanically "sticky". It should show about 12.5 volts with ignition on, but car not started. Try turning the swith to "on" and tap the gauge and see if it jumps up to 12-12.5v. The correct voltage at say, 2000rpms should be 13.5-14v, which indicates proper alternator internal regulator charging rate, at least in volts. If the actual voltage was 0, the starter wouldn't work at all, nor would any other electrical device on the truck. Voltmeter measure battery voltage unless the alternator is making output, in which case it measures regulated charging voltage.
--------------------
"If you can't be a good influence, don't worry, you can still be a horrid example."
|
NathanC
Roll Me Over
Reged: 04/22/02
Posts: 3620
Loc: Brodhead, WI
|
|
I have a volt guage question of my own  . I notice that when I turn on my heater blower, the volt guage drops. Now this I don't find odd, but when the blower is going full blast, the guage drops to ~13volts from a norm of 14-14.5(estimating from the guage ) and stays there. Is this normal? Seems like the alternator should be able to handle the heater a little better than that. Is there something possibly wrong with the blower motor?
--------------------
'06 Dakota QC 4.7 6sp 4x4
'94 Montero SR back to stock 
'88 Mighty Max project for sale
'77 KZ1000 fun old bike
'60 Dodge D300
If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. - 2Thess. 3:10b
|
fasteddy
Web Wheeler
Reged: 01/30/01
Posts: 12703
Loc: Flat Creek, GA
|
|
What does it do if you turn on lights, wipers, AND blower motor?
--------------------
"If you can't be a good influence, don't worry, you can still be a horrid example."
|
NathanC
Roll Me Over
Reged: 04/22/02
Posts: 3620
Loc: Brodhead, WI
|
|
Lights don't really do anything, wipers will make the guage move slightly everytime they make a pass, but the blower makes the biggest jump.
--------------------
'06 Dakota QC 4.7 6sp 4x4
'94 Montero SR back to stock
'88 Mighty Max project for sale
'77 KZ1000 fun old bike
'60 Dodge D300
If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. - 2Thess. 3:10b
|
NathanC
Roll Me Over
Reged: 04/22/02
Posts: 3620
Loc: Brodhead, WI
|
|
Or did you mean all at the same time? I've never tried that. Could take a little coordination .
--------------------
'06 Dakota QC 4.7 6sp 4x4
'94 Montero SR back to stock
'88 Mighty Max project for sale
'77 KZ1000 fun old bike
'60 Dodge D300
If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. - 2Thess. 3:10b
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
