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Volt gauge reading high

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Old Dec 15, 2010 | 09:01 AM
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Default Volt gauge reading high

I guess this is my month for truck issues. Recently I've noticed my truck's volt gauge on the gauge cluster is reading a little high. It's always been at 14 straight up but now it's at about 15 or 16 I'd say. Would an old battery cause this or the alternator getting ready to go or what? Both the battery and alternator are about 4 years old. Only electrical things I've added to the truck is my cb and pa system but it never read past 14 before and those things have been on my truck since I got it 11 years ago.
 
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Old Dec 15, 2010 | 09:58 AM
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Dirty ground or battery terminals?
 
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Old Dec 15, 2010 | 11:18 AM
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14.7 volts is pretty standard for a "good" working alternator. That, and the dash gauge isn't exactly known for it spot-on accuracy. Start the truck, put a meter on the battery, see what voltage you are actually getting there, and take if from there. between 13 and 15 volts is "OK".
 
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Old Dec 15, 2010 | 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by HeyYou
14.7 volts is pretty standard for a "good" working alternator. That, and the dash gauge isn't exactly known for it spot-on accuracy. Start the truck, put a meter on the battery, see what voltage you are actually getting there, and take if from there. between 13 and 15 volts is "OK".

Agreed. Nothing to see here, folks. It should actually be around 15.5 in most "normal*" conditions.



*No warranty is expressed or implied. Void where prohibited.
 
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