Voltmeter question
 

All,
The other day my voltmeter in the stock guage pod (which usually hangs out around the middle of normal), shot up to 18, paused, then went all the way up so I can't even see the needle. Maybe, the needle slid, and that caused it to jump up. Maybe the guage is dead. How do I know what's going on?

Rob

Just to make sure it's not your alternator.... put a hand held volt meter to your battery while your car is running. It should say 14. Even if you rev the motor, it will still read 14. If it is more, then you blew the internal regulator in your alternator. If this is the case, then you can replace it or rebuild it. If it's not, then your gauge is toast. Also, if you drive with the internal regulator blown, you could blow your car's computer. :(

well, you're gonna scare the man.....

slight variances are ok.....I think mine reads 14.2

turn on the key to run but don't start the car and look at the voltage it is normal when the car isn't running then it is the guage if it only does it when the car is running then it's the alternator's regulator went out.

14.2 is ok. some where between 13.7 and 14.3 is a healthy range. It really depends on what kind of alternator you have and how low on juice your battery is.

...and how accurate your meter/gauge is.

;)

Cyberstang and others,
I did get worried and ran over to my friend the alternator man. Together we checked it out and it's kicking the mid 14's. So that's good.

Now, can I get a voltmeter from a junkyard, or do I just manually adjust the needle?

Thanks!
Rob

I would just get a new gauge. This way you know it's accuate

I'd be suprised if many factory gauges are accurate!

My gauges are very accurate... then again my Autometer gauges aren't stock :rolleyes: :D :p