Simple....down arrow next to battery voltage [86]

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Jul 16, 2003 | 07:23 PM

USAsOnlyWay

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Le Mans Master

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From: Seattle Area WA

Simple....down arrow next to battery voltage [86]

Easy question. . .
I replaced the battery on my corvette recently because it wouldn't take a charge...now with a fresh battery it is running at 13.5-13.7 volts with this little symbol next to the numbers that looks like this " V "...
what exactly does this mean?

TIA

Jul 16, 2003 | 07:28 PM

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

Re: Simple....down arrow next to battery voltage [86] (USAsOnlyWay)

umm..... is it a V for "volts" ?? I can't remember if I have one or not.

Jul 16, 2003 | 07:32 PM

don hall

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2002

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From: SANTA CRUZ CA

Re: Simple....down arrow next to battery voltage [86] (USAsOnlyWay)

Don't know what that symbol signifies, but I recommend a check on your alternator output.
13.5-13.7 is relatively low with the engine "on". The voltage should be around 13.9 - 14.2, depending on access. being used and the charge of the batt.

Jul 16, 2003 | 07:40 PM

kittmaster

Race Director

Joined: Oct 2002

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From: RI

Re: Simple....down arrow next to battery voltage [86] (USAsOnlyWay)

:lolg: :lolg:

Yes the "down" arrow is the letter V for Voltage.

Voltage is defined as the difference of potiential of energy from two dissimiliar points opposite in charge i.e. a battery +/- terminals for example.

:lol:

Sorry......just caught me by surprise

Kitt

Jul 16, 2003 | 10:28 PM

jfb

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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA

Re: Simple....down arrow next to battery voltage [86] (USAsOnlyWay)

Cold, the alternator voltage will be close to 14.3 volts and hot it will drop to 13.3. Your voltage is normal if the engine is at operating temperature.

Jul 16, 2003 | 10:41 PM

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

Re: Simple....down arrow next to battery voltage [86] (jfb)

Ok I just got back from a 60 mile drive. Yes that little thing is a lowercase 'v' for voltage. If you flip it over to coolant temp you'll see an 'F' for Fahrenheit show up above it.

Quote:

Cold, the alternator voltage will be close to 14.3 volts and hot it will drop to 13.3. Your voltage is normal if the engine is at operating temperature.

jfb, why is this? I've always understood that you needed to maintain 13.8-14.2 for proper charge no matter what.

Jul 16, 2003 | 10:47 PM

Ramanstud

Melting Slicks

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From: Cincinnati Oh

Re: Simple....down arrow next to battery voltage [86] (scorp508)

I think the voltage will also vary depending on if you installed a higher or lower amperage alternator. I had the original 120amp and ran 14.3 at idle... I replaced it with (the only available) 95amp or so alternator and get 13.4-13.5 down arrows.

:lol:

Jul 17, 2003 | 03:29 AM

USAsOnlyWay

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Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2002

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From: Seattle Area WA

Re: Simple....down arrow next to battery voltage [86] (Ramanstud)

:leaving:

Well at least it gave you guys all a good laugh. . .
Thats odd I have never noticed it before this problem with the battery, but its all cool.. . .
I am going to get the alternator checked, if I have to replace it....any suggestions???

Thanks again guys.....
:D :D :D