volt readings on dic
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Joined: Oct 2004
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volt readings on dic
When I first start my car I get a reading on the dic for battery volts of 15.1 or 15.0. The car is on a battery minder. After I drive for awhile 20 minutes or so it drops to about 14.8 or 14.7. eventually around 14.2. When I turn off the car and put it in accessory for volts it reads between 12.8 and 13.2. The battery is 1 year old and I have had those readings since it was new. The year is a 2001 and is not a daily driver. The car is always on a battery minder when it sets for more than 2 days. Is 15.0 at startup high for the volts. I would think it would be fully charged with the battery minder on. So the reading should be around 14.4. True.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 6
From: Lake Oswego, Near Portland Oregon
Target voltage for lead acid batteries is 13.7 volts. It is possible to get them to charge to a bit more, but over volt charging is not really good for them. I would say your operational readings are pretty darn good, indicating your alternator and voltage regulator are working perfectly. Slightly lower static readings are also normal. I am a bit concerned that the Minder brings it up a bit on the high side.
As a working EE, I have designed charging systems for both conventional and exotic battery arrays for use in sensitive electronic systems. That 15 volt reading you are getting after the Minder bothers me. It could lead to shortened battery life, especially if you have one of the spiral cell batteries.
As a working EE, I have designed charging systems for both conventional and exotic battery arrays for use in sensitive electronic systems. That 15 volt reading you are getting after the Minder bothers me. It could lead to shortened battery life, especially if you have one of the spiral cell batteries.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 753
Likes: 1
From: Oceanside CA
I just installed a Optima Red Top 75/35 last week and my voltage is 11.3 with the ignition turned ON and 14.0 with the engine running. I thought this was high compared to my old battery which was approximately 11.1/12.0
Last edited by SGT. PYLE; Oct 21, 2005 at 02:00 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 34,062
Likes: 4
From: Evans, GA
Wet cell batteries are approximstely 2.2 volts per cell or 13.2 volts for a commong wetcell car battery. Most of the differences measured in an automotive system is the accuracy of the meter less the resistance of any attached circuitry. Charging voltage is determined by the alternator and 15 volts seems high. But the resting voltage on your DIC may be the answer to the variable. Use a good quality Multimeter and measure the voltages at the battery when the systems are resting and again when the alternator is charging. Then compare these reading to your DIC indications and you will be aware of the variable.
Have fun.
Have fun.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,651
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From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by SGT. PYLE
I just installed a Optima Red Top 75/35 last week and my voltage is 11.3 with the ignition turned ON and 14.3 with the engine running. I thought this was high compared to my old battery which was approximately 11.1/12.0
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