Problem with voltage meter?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Problem with voltage meter?
My 91 Vette generally runs with the volt meter well ABOVE the halfway point. I drove it for an hour on the highway tonight and then when I went back to more stop-and-go type driving, the needle was buried in the highest range of the gauge, causing the red battery light to come on. After about three hours, drove home again on the highway for an hour and then got back to city driving and the same thing happened. It continued to run fine during all of this, but is this a problem of "over-charging" the electrical system or what?
Anybody else have a similar problem or some advice for me?
Thanks,
Barry
Anybody else have a similar problem or some advice for me?
Thanks,
Barry
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,289
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From: Sussex,Wi
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Originally Posted by tinman332
My 91 Vette generally runs with the volt meter well ABOVE the halfway point. I drove it for an hour on the highway tonight and then when I went back to more stop-and-go type driving, the needle was buried in the highest range of the gauge, causing the red battery light to come on. After about three hours, drove home again on the highway for an hour and then got back to city driving and the same thing happened. It continued to run fine during all of this, but is this a problem of "over-charging" the electrical system or what?
Anybody else have a similar problem or some advice for me?
Thanks,
Barry
Anybody else have a similar problem or some advice for me?
Thanks,
Barry
If you have a Voltmeter, measure the Alternator output right at the positive battery terminal next time you notice it. This will tell you if its the gauge or the alternator.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The alternator output should not exceed 16 volts. Also, one of the functions of the red battery symbol light is to indicate excess voltage. You can overcharge your battery and damage it, so if a separate voltmeter indicates more than 16 volts, then it is time for a new voltage regulator in the alternator, or a new alternator if you don't want to mess with it. Another solution is to take the alternator to an auto electrical shop and they can install a new voltage regulator and check out the rest of the alternator.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,289
Likes: 207
From: Sussex,Wi
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Originally Posted by jfb
The alternator output should not exceed 16 volts. Also, one of the functions of the red battery symbol light is to indicate excess voltage. You can overcharge your battery and damage it, so if a separate voltmeter indicates more than 16 volts, then it is time for a new voltage regulator in the alternator, or a new alternator if you don't want to mess with it. Another solution is to take the alternator to an auto electrical shop and they can install a new voltage regulator and check out the rest of the alternator.
