What is the normal voltage range?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
From: New Wilmington PA
What is the normal voltage range?
I'm getting a little worried here. When I first start my car I get a voltage reading of around 14.6. After it runs for awhile it goes up into 16 territory. The alternator is (relatively) new, could it be defective? Also, what do the two wires in the plug go to? (black and brown)
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
Likes: 7
From: Fair Oaks, OK
Re: What is the normal voltage range? (Cookwithvette)
First off, I don't think I would worry all that much about it. My car runs at 15 - 16 volts all the time... been that way for 2 years now and no problems. Same battery too.
My car is the opposite, though. It will start out real high, and then as I drive it the voltage goes down a bit.
You can replace the voltage regulator in the alternator all by yourself. It is very easy to do, especially if you follow the directions that come with the regulator. It is less than $10 from autozone. It is in the rear of your alternator case.
My car is the opposite, though. It will start out real high, and then as I drive it the voltage goes down a bit.
You can replace the voltage regulator in the alternator all by yourself. It is very easy to do, especially if you follow the directions that come with the regulator. It is less than $10 from autozone. It is in the rear of your alternator case.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 5
From: Lake Villa IL
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: What is the normal voltage range? (Cookwithvette)
Okay. Mine sits at around 13.5. Do I have a problem?
Of course I do.:sad:
Can someone tell me what it is?
Of course I do.:sad:
Can someone tell me what it is?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 3
From: South Central Louisiana
St. Jude Contributor
Re: What is the normal voltage range? (Bullyj)
It is very common for factory voltage gauges to read inaccurately, especially in C-3's. My FIL 77 reads over 15 volts on his gauge, but you put a good volt meter in the system and you get a 13-14 reading as normal.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
From: New Wilmington PA
Re: What is the normal voltage range? (71,454,4spd)
It's an Auto Meter gauge and I've verified it with a multimeter. I had always thought 13.8 or so was normal. Good to hear I'm still in the okay range.
Thanks guys! :cheers:
Thanks guys! :cheers:
