Question on a 91's voltage indicator
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '10
Question on a 91's voltage indicator
I just noticed the other day that when I brake to a stop, the voltage indicator drops significantly. I can't say that I ever looked at it before while braking. Is this normal? When the car is under way, the indicator is about 4/5 of the way to "18", then while at a stop sign or red light, it drops to about 1/2 way between the "8" and "18". When stopped, my RPMs are about 600. The car only does this once it is warmed up. While at high idle when cold, it stays in the 4/5 position. As soon as I give it gas, it returns to normal.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Question on a 91's voltage indicator (ladyinblack)
.. when I brake, the voltage indicator drops significantly. Is this normal?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Question on a 91's voltage indicator (ladyinblack)
The voltmeter measures voltage after the ignition switch, so the resistance of the wires and the ign sw contacts cause a small voltage drop from the current passing through them. The stoplight lamps draw several amps and it passes through the ignition switch, so you have to expect some small variations in the displayed voltage when you brake. Sounds a bit much to me though. I have an 87 and I don't notice any variations when braking.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '10
Re: Question on a 91's voltage indicator (jfb)
Thanks for the replies. Sorry I didn't acknowledge them sooner, but this is the first day I've been on the computer. The car is in the shop, I'll post what was wrong with it, if anyone is interested.
