Low Voltage

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Sep 5, 2011 | 10:15 AM

EVRose

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Race Director

Joined: Oct 2010

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From: Las Vegas NV

Low Voltage

Went for a drive last night. When I left the house voltage was at 14.2 v. Was driving down the strip stuck in slow moving traffic for about 45 minutes and temp outside was 102º. I noticed at one point the voltage was under 12v on the gauge. I switched the DIC over to voltage and at idle it was 11.8v. Everything was on and working fine. When I got moving it went up to mid 12's. I started to worry so I got off the strip and headed home and out of traffic voltage went up to 13.4v the whole way home but still dropped down to 12 at red lights.
Battery is a Die Hard and is a month old. I charged it for 24 hours when I bought it before installing it. Any ideas on the cause?

Sep 5, 2011 | 11:06 AM

KB9GKC

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 923

Likes: 37

From: Green Bay Wisconsin

Hello,

Sounds like your alternator is not working properly.

Douglas in Green Bay

Sep 5, 2011 | 11:16 AM

EVRose

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Race Director

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From: Las Vegas NV

Even though it runs back up to over 13v on the highway?

Sep 5, 2011 | 11:53 AM

Bill Suttie

Racer

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 486

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From: The Villages FL

102F ambient at night in Vegas traffic. You had lights on, A/C on and probably full engine cooling fan on. Than is why your voltage was low when the car was stopped. You may be OK.

Sep 5, 2011 | 01:19 PM

EVRose

Thread Starter

Race Director

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From: Las Vegas NV

Yes, everything was on. I was thinking heat had something to do with it. I'm going to check it today and see how it is.

Sep 5, 2011 | 09:19 PM

VET4LES

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 27,420

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From: San Clemente CA

I don't think you have a problem. A/C, lights, heat, fans stop and go traffic all cause low voltage. Good luck.

Sep 5, 2011 | 11:35 PM

fnsblum

Pro

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 679

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From: TremontonUT UT

Have the battery tested first. Even the Die Hard sometimes dies an early death. The alternator is sized to runs all that at slightly above idle. Later! Frank

Sep 6, 2011 | 04:41 AM

RamAir972003

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 2,319

Likes: 69

My Z06

My O7 Z does the same thing temps are 104 everything is on. I noticed that to at first, then I realized that when you start driving it after you get out of traffic it jumps back up.. Nothing to worry about if was in the 9s then I would worry.