Mine's exactly the same.
98 CORRECT VOLTS WHEN RUNNING?? need help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 112
Likes: 2
From: Tampa FL
98 CORRECT VOLTS WHEN RUNNING?? need help
Quick Background: "new owner" of 98 Coupe (A4), Optima Red Top battery, if the car is not plugged to Battery tender charger it will be dead in 3 days. When fully charged, car starts and volts read 13.6/ 13.5. When driving it starts to DROP and after a 20 minute trip to work we are down to 13.1 to 13.2. Previously Had 3 3rd Gen T/A's and 1 98 T/A, and all GM cars for past 25 years, never seen a drop while driving unless maybe alternator going bad?? Can the good folks here give me a ballpark of "normal Volts" at start-up?, and does 13.1 seem logical while driving after a start at 13.6?? I will be going to the local AZ or Discount A for a test this weekend. Just new in the C5 world and wondering what is normal for the Volts readings out there. Appreciate any thoughts.. Thanks..,Joe
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,174
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From: arlington tx
mine "might" drop to 13.1 if im sitting ideling in drive at a stop light with lights on and music up very loud and the amp pulls enough juice for a strong bass hit on the sub but other than that im right with the others who have posted here.
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Sounds like low voltage to me. Might want to get the battery checked first and if OK, have other things checked.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 112
Likes: 2
From: Tampa FL
CORRECT VOLTS?? Need Help
Gentlemen: Sincerely appreciate all of the great responses and info. Quick update. I had the Optima Red Top checked again at AZ, and they still tell me it is "good", but at start up all I have is 13.6 or 13.5 Volts on the DIC and the gauge shows the same. ,,, so tomorrow I will go back to another place to get the Alternator checked. One other item, The previous owner had put on new Gatorback belts to replace the stock and I am wondering if the tension might be incorrect? on the belt and therfore the alternator is Not getting the "full power action"??, could the new belts affect the "automatic tension adjuster?. Will keep you posted. Thanks again for all of the help from this great Forum... Joe
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Elizabethtown Kentucky
check to see if your volt meter is accurate. I found out that when mine reads 13.1 its actually should be 13.8. so don't panic just yet and have it checked to see what your ture voltage is. Your meter in the car could be off like mine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
DIC voltage is SCREWY
When mine starts sometimes it is anly about 10.7 volts. Climbs to 14.0 volts and then drops into the 13 volt range. Measure with a DVM at the battery if you want ACCURATE readings. Also my "NEW 900AH BATTERY" DIED in about 8 months. NEW is not equal to GOOD. New means NEW and thats all. When working as a service technician AGES AGO learned that very quickly.
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