Why does the Instr Panel Voltmeter take 2 min to show a charge?
#1
Why does the Instr Panel Voltmeter take 2 min to show a charge?
I've had my '03 HO 3500 for 6 years (bought at 110k; now has 158k), and it always bothered me that my voltmeter shows about 13v before and after engine start, and takes about 2 minutes before the voltage jumps up to about 14.8v on the gauge?
It's done it since I bought the truck, so I guess (?) it's normal, but I'd like to know why.
It does it if it's the first start of the day, or when the engine is warm.
I actually measured the battery voltage yesterday after start, but before the instrument panel meter rose, and it was showing 14.4 volts (instr panel meter showing about 13v), so I gather the alternator is charging right away after the engine is running, so why does the panel meter take so long to respond?
I have a diesel tech who owns an '04 and he said his does the same thing (says it's controlled by the PCM) so I shouldn't worry about it (I was thinking maybe it was time for a new alternator), but I am curious...
Normal? If normal, what's it doing/why?
It's done it since I bought the truck, so I guess (?) it's normal, but I'd like to know why.
It does it if it's the first start of the day, or when the engine is warm.
I actually measured the battery voltage yesterday after start, but before the instrument panel meter rose, and it was showing 14.4 volts (instr panel meter showing about 13v), so I gather the alternator is charging right away after the engine is running, so why does the panel meter take so long to respond?
I have a diesel tech who owns an '04 and he said his does the same thing (says it's controlled by the PCM) so I shouldn't worry about it (I was thinking maybe it was time for a new alternator), but I am curious...
Normal? If normal, what's it doing/why?
#4