Voltage range on 2001 Coupe
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 20,246
Likes: 0
From: Katy Texas
Voltage range on 2001 Coupe
What should my voltage gauge read while the car is running on a 2001 C5 coupe? Mine has been a rock solid 13.5 V since the day I've had the car. Is that normal or a bit low?
:cheers:
:cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,767
Likes: 4
From: Austin TX
Re: Voltage range on 2001 Coupe (Paul R)
I suspect a foobar electrical system in my car. When I get in turn the key ON and let the gauges settle down (before starting), the voltage reads 11.1 to 11.5 volts. Shortly after starting the car it climbs up to 14.1 or 14.2 volts showing the alternator is doing its thing and then falls back to 13.5 to 13.7. The really strange thing is my low beam head lights dim when I apply the brake or push the window control button. I also not some dimming of the dash lights. The dealer has replaced the alternator and I suspect a weak sister AGM battery; however, it passes the GM test and the dealer cannot replace unless if falls out of the range. I think the voltage has to be in the mid 10's to justify replacement.
If your voltage never goes over 13.5, you may have an alternator problem and you should get it checked.
2001 Black 6-Speed Coupe
If your voltage never goes over 13.5, you may have an alternator problem and you should get it checked.
2001 Black 6-Speed Coupe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 39
Re: Voltage range on 2001 Coupe (Dick Kriss)
Dick,
I had a similar problem with lights dimming when I put on the brakes, turn signal, window, etc. after I got the car back from having the engine rebuilt.
The dealer, and someone on the forum said that dimming when applying the brakes is normal but I don't but that unless your battery is getting worn out.
I took my car back the next day to the dealer and showed them that the headlights were on but the motors would not raise them.
They fixed it and said they found a corroded ground wire.
I'd check all of the connectors around the front of the engine compartment by the drivers side headlight, to make sure they were getting a good ground.
I usually don't run with the alt voltage up on the DIC but when I was having the electrical issues I did. When you start your car it is at about 11.8 volts and then climbs to 14.5. It will run during the day between 13.6 and 14.5, at night a little lower between 12.9 and 14.0.
If you don't ever go above 13.5, something might be wrong.
Note: I have an under-drive pulley which doesn't affect the output of the alt. as some might believe.
I had a similar problem with lights dimming when I put on the brakes, turn signal, window, etc. after I got the car back from having the engine rebuilt.
The dealer, and someone on the forum said that dimming when applying the brakes is normal but I don't but that unless your battery is getting worn out.
I took my car back the next day to the dealer and showed them that the headlights were on but the motors would not raise them.
They fixed it and said they found a corroded ground wire.
I'd check all of the connectors around the front of the engine compartment by the drivers side headlight, to make sure they were getting a good ground.
I usually don't run with the alt voltage up on the DIC but when I was having the electrical issues I did. When you start your car it is at about 11.8 volts and then climbs to 14.5. It will run during the day between 13.6 and 14.5, at night a little lower between 12.9 and 14.0.
If you don't ever go above 13.5, something might be wrong.
Note: I have an under-drive pulley which doesn't affect the output of the alt. as some might believe.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Voltage range on 2001 Coupe (chadwick)
What should my voltage gauge read while the car is running on a 2001 C5 coupe? Mine has been a rock solid 13.5 V since the day I've had the car. Is that normal or a bit low?
:cheers:
:cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Voltage range on 2001 Coupe (chadwick)
What should my voltage gauge read while the car is running on a 2001 C5 coupe? Mine has been a rock solid 13.5 V since the day I've had the car. Is that normal or a bit low?
:cheers:
:cheers:
