I have a 1994 Ford Thunderbird 4.6L V-8 and every time i use my blinker or my wipers or the power windows or sun roof while going down the road my Volts read from 13.5V down to 9-10V. I notice it most when i use my blinker going down the road, everytime it blinks my volt meter shows from 13.5 down to 9 to 10V. The car use to have a AMP 1200W running off the battery what do you guys think? could it just be a electronic problem with the car?
2007-08-21 13:26:07 · 6 answers · asked by hl2cjm 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Don't trust the volt meter on the car-especially Ford gauges which are notoriously inaccurate and fluctuate wildly on some models. When using accessories such as wipers, windows, etc the voltage draw will register on a meter. If you hook the car up to a multimeter and turn on the wipers, etc, you will see this same draw-but with less of a voltage drop. In-dash meters are more of an estimate than anything else. For accurate voltage testing, you need a multimeter.
2007-08-21 13:44:55 · answer #1 · answered by SouthBayTech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Test the alternator output with a hand held volt meter with all your electrical accessories on. Simply set the hand held volt meter @ 20 volts and press the black lead to the negative terminal on the battery. Press the red lead to the positive battery post. The voltage should read a bare minimum of 13.5 - 14.0 volts. If the voltage is under these readings the alternator is suspect.
Turn the car off and check the battery voltage the very same way. A good fully charged battery should read 12.5 volts. If not pull the battery and charge @ 2 amps overnight with an automatic battery charger. In the AM. re-check the battery voltage without the battery charger. You should see 12.5 volts. If not have a load test done on the battery at Auto Zone, any car dealer or independent automotive mechanic.
If the load test diminishes the reserve capacity it's time for a different battery.
2007-08-21 20:53:25 · answer #2 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ussually battery is only used during start-ups and if your alternator failed. When the engine is running its the alternator that provides power to all the electrical components. However if you put more load (electrical components) into your car you'll going to need more power which your alternator might not be able to handle. Try to get advice from your local auto parts store regarding alternator specs.. If I were you I'll have my alternator and voltage regulator checked.
2007-08-21 21:48:11 · answer #3 · answered by jhune 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems that your battery is not strong enough. Get an Optima battery and your worries are gone. Damn....1200w amp.
2007-08-21 20:46:30 · answer #4 · answered by turbocivic89 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First have the battery tested. if it fails you know what to do. but if it passes you can start lookin at the alternator and connections.
2007-08-21 20:33:12 · answer #5 · answered by Josh S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on how much power draw is there,13.5 is that at idle or rpms and have you had your charging system check,
that will tell the whole story.
2007-08-21 20:35:40 · answer #6 · answered by macha i 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋