Ever since I did the tech in for my first auto-x about a month ago, I have been getting weird readings for my battery voltage. Yes, I know the DIC is not the optimal place to read from, but it is only place I can monitor it. Anyway, right after tech-in, the voltage read 11.4 volts vice the 13.8-14.0 it normally reads. I wasn't having any trouble with starting, A/C running, or any other electrical problems. After the first run, the voltage was back to reading normal. After the race, voltage would fluctuate from 11.5ish to normal readings. Well, last week it finally stopped fluctuating and job ever so slowly started dropping. Car will still start, but the other day was only reading 9.7-9.9 volts. I hooked up with my truck since I don't have a stand-alone charger and it was able to read 12.4 until I started it, then it dropped to 11.6ish. Once I disconnected the jumper cables, it fell to 10.5-10.6 and just stayed there for 5-10 minutes.

Battery cables seem tight enough, but it is almost like a cable might be burnt and grounded I can't see any damage to any of them though. This goes for the starter wiring as well, which was the source of my problems last time. What else could I check without getting it on a lift (no access) or maybe anything else outside of the battery I should check? Thanks.

 

Most likely a coincidence that it started happening after tech inspection, but I would get your battery and your alternator tested at your FLAPS.

How old is the battery?

 

Yeah I figured it was. He shook the battery kinda hard. Battery is a Red top that is 10 months old and alternator is 2.5 years old. I think I might try to change the battery cables out if I can get it on a lift.