Volt meter moves with turn signal
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 28
From: South Riding VA
Volt meter moves with turn signal
94 lt1
Anyone ever notice the voltage reading fluctuate when the turn signal is on? Seems somewhat normal at other times, but when the turn signal Flashes, the Volt reading fluctuates with the load.... I've seen it before on another late model C4... What would cause this?
Anyone ever notice the voltage reading fluctuate when the turn signal is on? Seems somewhat normal at other times, but when the turn signal Flashes, the Volt reading fluctuates with the load.... I've seen it before on another late model C4... What would cause this?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
When the lights flash they put a load on the system. That causes the voltmeter to dip.
This is especially noticeable at idle when the alternator isn't putting out much current. Usually you see it while stopped at a traffic signal with the turn signal on. If you rev the engine the variation will stop.
This is especially noticeable at idle when the alternator isn't putting out much current. Usually you see it while stopped at a traffic signal with the turn signal on. If you rev the engine the variation will stop.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 28
From: South Riding VA
I agree that the added load is the cause, I just think that the alternator should be able to keep up, even at idle. Other vehicles that I've owned and serviced havn't done this, so I'm wondering if its something particular about the c4 that's an issue or if it it's an indicator of an alternator or battery that's under par. We used to be able to swap out the voltage regulators on alternators, but is that even a option on the newer ones?
