Low voltage
#1
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
Thread Starter
Low voltage
I bought a voltmeter to plug into the lighter because my trusty SSE has no voltmeter. On average, I see mid to low 13 volts. I was suprised it was so low. My Optima yellow top and 105 amp reman alternator are about 3 years old, within 3 months of each other.
#3
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
Thread Starter
Everything was on but the wipers, rear defrost, and the AC. My stereo is 1300 watts, but I turned it off and it had little effect. Turned everything else off, gained about .3V.
And does anyone know a real nice plug in voltmeter? I've got this one from Walmart that isn't lit, but has three leds below the display to indicate voltage range. I want one with lit numbers or a needle.
And does anyone know a real nice plug in voltmeter? I've got this one from Walmart that isn't lit, but has three leds below the display to indicate voltage range. I want one with lit numbers or a needle.
#7
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
Thread Starter
Jeez, I drove in town for half an hour with the voltmeter plugged in. Never saw above 12.6V until I got on the highway to go home. I noticed as low as 10.8V momentarily with turn signal, headlights and rear defrost on. But the car seems to be behaving like it normally does. Do I need to try a new ground for my battery or alternator?
#8
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Lose the yellowtop. I think it'* had enough time to kill your alternator. It may already be too late for both items.
I'd get a real voltmeter on that to make sure.
I'd get a real voltmeter on that to make sure.
#9
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
Do you ever use the battery alone alot? If you're using the full cycle then like Bill sez, you're alt'* gotta fill a huge battery. If you haven't then it'* just it'* time.
After replacing my alt tonight, i think it was hampering most of the car'* systems. It was lower then I thought it was. Trying to re ground it can't hurt though. Just need a lil sandpaper.
After replacing my alt tonight, i think it was hampering most of the car'* systems. It was lower then I thought it was. Trying to re ground it can't hurt though. Just need a lil sandpaper.
#10
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
Thread Starter
Pretty much never. I used to use the battery by itself, before this one, then it died. Would it help if I took the alt back to Napa where I got it with a lifetime warranty and swap it for the "with heated windshield" model?