CKurello

Hey everyone,
Just had a question about what the voltmeter actually reads? (voltage duh) but I mean what do the readings mean. Like if it's high what does that indicate? I just always see them on supercharged (and non) cars and was wondering their purpose. thanks

doode

tells you about the status of your battery and charging system

normal = 13.5-14.4
less than 13.5 = alternator not charging
over 14.4 = alternator is over charging

CKurello

alright thanks man, and if you don't mind what do you do to remedy those situations?

Nuke

The problem with our voltmeters is that there's no scale so you can only guess if you have an under or over voltage condition. You just need to be aware of what's normal. Unfortunately, by the time you can tell that your running higher (typically due to a faulty voltage regulator) or lower (faulty voltage regulator or alternator unless you're at idle with the A/C on and your 2,000 megawatt stereo turning all your screws loose) you probably should find the nearest auto shop.

In other words, our voltmeters do more to look nice than to help us identify our charging system's operating condition.