I was having intermittant starting problems, and had noticed that my volt gauge had dipped down to just below 14v. After loadbank testing, we determined that the alternator was not charging properly. I replaced the alternator, the battery (because the "+" terminal broke), and cleaned the cable ends. The volt gauge is now just above 14v. My Fluke voltmeter shows no-load charging at about 14.3v, but when I turn on all the accessories it falls to 12.8 - 13.5 at idle, and only recovers to 13.8v to 14v when the engine is above 2000 rpm. Any suggestions?
2006-10-08 08:47:48 · 7 answers · asked by Danno 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
These values are fully acceptable.
Remember ohm's law.
It takes 1 volt to drive 1 amp through 1 ohm. So if the voltage is high in the system, the current demand is low. When the current demand rises, the voltage will decrease.
The TOTAL equation is AMPS over VOLTAGE divided by RESISTANCE and the whole package is WATTS. The wattage remains constant while any of the other three values may change.
If you are seeing 14.3 to 14.8 V at idle, with a fully charged battery, this is good. If the battery (or system) requires a higher current rate, the voltage could be as low as 13 V. As long as the charging rate is no lower, it will keep the battery happy.
Remember a fully charged battery at rest will show 12.6 V.
Good Luck
2006-10-08 10:46:42 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
2000 Chevy Blazer Alternator
2016-11-16 14:10:58 · answer #2 · answered by buitron 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like normal alternator operation to me. The alternator can't keep up 14.2 volts with everything on at a low engine RPM. Sometimes the battery is even discharging a very small bit.
All alternator output tests are done at 2000+ RPM. At that point the alternator is capable of close to its maximum output.
Unless you have further problems I think you are OK..
2006-10-08 08:54:03 · answer #3 · answered by econofix 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have seen on occasion when an individual replaces the alternator, the fuse for the charging system blows because they did not disconnect the battery. you might want to check into this, aside from that you should see what your running voltage is, at the battery and the alternator. see if they match up. and if the alternator is good.
2016-03-17 04:19:08 · answer #4 · answered by Gregory 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
looks like its working ok to me; it will always go low at idle because the alternator isn't spinning fast enough to charge fully; if your battery is indeed new, then 14 volts is good as well. Leave it be and drive big fella!
2006-10-08 08:52:15 · answer #5 · answered by Claira Voyant 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some of the autos, have the voltage regulator, it's inside the Starter. Some, it's on the outside next to the battery!
2006-10-08 08:51:56 · answer #6 · answered by alfonso 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do you have any type of aftermarket stereo or video equipment that might be causing a problem?
2006-10-08 08:57:34 · answer #7 · answered by mburleigh8 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋