2nd Gen Ram Tech 1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Volt gauge reading high

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 12-15-2010, 09:01 AM
notanexit7's Avatar
notanexit7
notanexit7 is offline
Captain
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Maysville, NC
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
 
  #2  
Old 12-15-2010, 09:58 AM
Sheriff420's Avatar
Sheriff420
Sheriff420 is offline
Grand Champion
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Lee County, North Carolina
Posts: 7,055
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Dirty ground or battery terminals?
 
  #3  
Old 12-15-2010, 11:18 AM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
HeyYou is offline
Administrator
Dodge Forum Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Clayton MI
Posts: 82,514
Likes: 0
Received 3,388 Likes on 3,128 Posts
Default

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".
 
  #4  
Old 12-15-2010, 11:25 AM
Gary-L's Avatar
Gary-L
Gary-L is offline
Legend
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 8,648
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

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.
 



Quick Reply: Volt gauge reading high



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:20 AM.