Normal Voltage Readings on the DIC... (Need Help)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati OH
Normal Voltage Readings on the DIC... (Need Help)
I am beginning to wonder if I might have a weak battery, or alternator... often times when sitting at an idle with many accessories going at the same time my voltage readings drop way down... sometimes even below 12 volts (high 11's). If I touch the gas a little it will jump up into the 13's or 14's, but let her run back down to idle, and it will fall back down. During normal idle during the day without the lights on etc. it seems fine. Could someone do a test for me:
With your car at an idle (in drive if it's an auto) turn on the following:
Headlights
A/C
Wipers
Driving Lamps
Radio
... and tell me what your Voltage reading on the DIC is...
It would really help me out... I want to address this if it's a defect.
Thanks!!!
-Jim
With your car at an idle (in drive if it's an auto) turn on the following:
Headlights
A/C
Wipers
Driving Lamps
Radio
... and tell me what your Voltage reading on the DIC is...
It would really help me out... I want to address this if it's a defect.
Thanks!!!
-Jim
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Idaho Falls ID. USA
Re: Normal Voltage Readings on the DIC... (VetteMan2k1)
Hey VetteMan2k1 Ihave 99 coupe 6 spd........just came back from joy ride so its all warmed. At idle 700rpm. lights+ac+wipers+fogs+cd playing the DIC is at 13.4 /13.5.......oil temp210 coolant 195. original delco battery, 37636 miles on car. Hope this help ya. Bob O.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 1
From: Newland US
Re: Normal Voltage Readings on the DIC... (VetteMan2k1)
VetteMan2k1,
I checked your sig to see if you were running an underdrive pulley...didn't find that but spied a 400 Watt Rockford amplifier. :D I think that there is more load on the system than it can overcome at idle, especially with the amp and other accessories turned on. I don't think that you have a problem with the charging system.
Good luck.
Mark
I checked your sig to see if you were running an underdrive pulley...didn't find that but spied a 400 Watt Rockford amplifier. :D I think that there is more load on the system than it can overcome at idle, especially with the amp and other accessories turned on. I don't think that you have a problem with the charging system.
Good luck.
Mark
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati OH
Re: Normal Voltage Readings on the DIC... (MDT)
VetteMan2k1,
I checked your sig to see if you were running an underdrive pulley...didn't find that but spied a 400 Watt Rockford amplifier. :D I think that there is more load on the system than it can overcome at idle, especially with the amp and other accessories turned on. I don't think that you have a problem with the charging system.
Good luck.
Mark
I checked your sig to see if you were running an underdrive pulley...didn't find that but spied a 400 Watt Rockford amplifier. :D I think that there is more load on the system than it can overcome at idle, especially with the amp and other accessories turned on. I don't think that you have a problem with the charging system.
Good luck.
Mark
One day my battery wnet below enough avoltage to start the car (while sitting in the garage) just from dcoing the door locks a few times!
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Abington Pa
Re: Normal Voltage Readings on the DIC... (VetteMan2k1)
Normal voltage at idle should be 13.5-13.8V with a light load. Heavy load
(lights, AC, + big amp could be lower). The battery should measure about
12.5V, engine off, dropping into the upper 11s with headlights on.
If this problem is new then one of the rectifier diodes is probably bad.
If you don't have a voltmeter I'd recomend getting one. An inexpensive DVM
can be had for about $50-$60 at a Radio shack.
(lights, AC, + big amp could be lower). The battery should measure about
12.5V, engine off, dropping into the upper 11s with headlights on.
If this problem is new then one of the rectifier diodes is probably bad.
If you don't have a voltmeter I'd recomend getting one. An inexpensive DVM
can be had for about $50-$60 at a Radio shack.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Normal Voltage Readings on the DIC... (rmeier)
Normal voltage at idle should be 13.5-13.8V with a light load. Heavy load
(lights, AC, + big amp could be lower). The battery should measure about
12.5V, engine off, dropping into the upper 11s with headlights on.
If this problem is new then one of the rectifier diodes is probably bad.
If you don't have a voltmeter I'd recomend getting one. An inexpensive DVM
can be had for about $50-$60 at a Radio shack.
(lights, AC, + big amp could be lower). The battery should measure about
12.5V, engine off, dropping into the upper 11s with headlights on.
If this problem is new then one of the rectifier diodes is probably bad.
If you don't have a voltmeter I'd recomend getting one. An inexpensive DVM
can be had for about $50-$60 at a Radio shack.
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