Voltage problem?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Voltage problem?
I recently replaced my battery, but it seems to be acting funny. Got the "Service soon" on the DIC, and it cranked S L O W to start. I've been watching the voltage display on the DC now, It runs from 10.9 v to 11.9 v with 11.6 v seeming to be the average. Shouldn't it average about 12.5 v? 650 Cold cranking amps battery, but that shouldn't make a difference anyway...
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 5
From: Mustang OK
The voltage meter in your car was designed to read the output voltage of the alternator and not the battery. To get an accurate voltage reading on your battery's state of charge, you will need to take a reading directly at the battery terminals with an accurate Digital Volt-Ohm Meter (DVOM). Also, to fully test the battery, you need to do a load test too. You can read more about the proper way to test a battery at the following link:
CAR BATTERY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HTH and good luck with the battery!
CAR BATTERY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HTH and good luck with the battery!
Last edited by GrayC5; Mar 14, 2007 at 01:19 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Should be about 14.0 when its running
