Battery voltage
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
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From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
Battery voltage
I notice on my new Z06 the voltage gauge shows 13.8 on startup and then goes up to 15 after a couple of miles and just stays there. Is that proper? Or could there be a battery issue? My Stingray always starts at 15 and goes down to 12.9 after a few miles and stays at that level. Thanks.
Last edited by joemessman; Feb 6, 2020 at 08:56 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,761
Likes: 1,016
From: MOUNTAIN HOME Arkansas
As I’ve seen here, voltage meter reads what alternator is putting out to charge/maintain battery so it can run all the electronics in the car. Depending on how “discharged” your battery is determines how long the alternator provides the boost to battery. If it’s been sitting un-driven for couple weeks,especially during winter, it will take several miles of sustained driving. I don’t believe you have anything to concern yourself with.👍
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 878
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From: Louisa, Ky
I notice on my new Z06 the voltage gauge shows 13.8 on startup and then goes up to 15 after a couple of miles and just stays there. Is that proper? Or could there be a battery issue? My Stingray always starts at 15 and goes down to 12.9 after a few miles and stays at that level. Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 955
From: Central Commiefornia
Short answer - no, consistent 15V is not normal.
After starting the system should stabilize at ~13-14.5 volts. A consistent reading 15 or higher is cause for investigation, likely caused by a battery going south.
A rudimentary explanation is that the battery has six cells that are nominally 2 volts each connected in series to produce 12 volts. The charging system is set a bit higher to "push" power back into the battery and run the car's electronics.
If one cell begins to fail, battery voltage will drop, requiring more charging voltage to make up the deficit.
You don't mention the age of the battery but anything over 3 years is a crap shoot especially in hot or cold climates... Also, if the car was purchased off a lot, check the "built on" sticker on the driver's door to get a better idea how old the battery might be.
The probability is that the battery is failing, but a complete system check would be a good idea since these cars are basically computers on wheels.
After starting the system should stabilize at ~13-14.5 volts. A consistent reading 15 or higher is cause for investigation, likely caused by a battery going south.
A rudimentary explanation is that the battery has six cells that are nominally 2 volts each connected in series to produce 12 volts. The charging system is set a bit higher to "push" power back into the battery and run the car's electronics.
If one cell begins to fail, battery voltage will drop, requiring more charging voltage to make up the deficit.
You don't mention the age of the battery but anything over 3 years is a crap shoot especially in hot or cold climates... Also, if the car was purchased off a lot, check the "built on" sticker on the driver's door to get a better idea how old the battery might be.
The probability is that the battery is failing, but a complete system check would be a good idea since these cars are basically computers on wheels.
Last edited by jimmbbo; Feb 6, 2020 at 04:59 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 12,183
Likes: 4,682
From: SE WI
This article says 13.7 to 14.7V while running. Yours is new so I'd expect the top of the range. I wouldn't worry if it's cranking over healthy.
https://www.autobatteries.com/en-us/...ge-and-testing
.
Most people in this thread seem to agree it's totally normal.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...y-voltage.html
.
https://www.autobatteries.com/en-us/...ge-and-testing
.
Most people in this thread seem to agree it's totally normal.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...y-voltage.html
.
Last edited by Zjoe6; Feb 6, 2020 at 07:00 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Atlanta GA
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
SoCal Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12
Joe, be sure and keep that battery tender on your car when not in use. I assume one came with your new Z06, if not use the tender off the other vette if you still have it. I look forward to seeing your ride at the next cars and coffee in March!
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2018
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I notice on my new Z06 the voltage gauge shows 13.8 on startup and then goes up to 15 after a couple of miles and just stays there. Is that proper? Or could there be a battery issue? My Stingray always starts at 15 and goes down to 12.9 after a few miles and stays at that level. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 12,183
Likes: 4,682
From: SE WI
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,499
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
