My volt gauge on the dash always read in the 13's. About a week ago it started reading in the 14's. (about 14.3) Does this indicate a problem? What voltage do you normally see after your car has been running for more then ten or fifteen minutes? 14.3 seems high to me.

 

That's a pretty common number mentioned on this Forum.

I usually see 14.1-14.3 Volts with my '06 OEM battery.

I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

Same numbers for my '09.......

 

Mine normally read 14.3 to 14.5. It occasionally dips to 13.9 but quickly moves back up. Actually, I would be more concerned about the 13's on a consistent basis rather than the 14's.

 

That volt meter and the digital reading in the IPC is NOT the actual battery voltage reading. There close but can vary as much as 1 volt.

If you read the voltage directly at the battery terminals, thats the actual charging voltage. You should see 14.0 14.5 VDC. The charge, condition and temperature of the battery will have an effect on the actual charging voltage also.

The voltmeter reading is actual module voltage after the ignition relay that is supplied to all the modules and electrical system inside the car. Depending on how good or bad of a connection there is in the ignition relay is how much difference there will be between the two reading.

Another weird voltage reading is the voltage between the battery and the alternator. Theoretically they should be the same. However,,,they can vary a LOT. The Alternator BATT wire that goes to the battery connects at the STARTER SOLENOID. If that connection is loose/corroded or damaged, you will see less than adequate charging voltages but good alternator output. Seen it all too frequently in older C5's and after someone installs a starter or headers and doesn't get the connection properly tightened.

BC

 

Thanks for all the good info. I guess I don't have a problem after all.