What should ur volts be with car running? - Maintenance and Repair Forum

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What should ur volts be with car running?
Sunday, August 27, 2006 10:24 AM
mm.. im seeing some power draws (more then usual) when I turn my fan overide on etc. Almost stalls out. I think my alt is taking a plunge.

I logged Volts with hpt and see a 13.5 13.6 Volts on that charts. And when I have my fans on for awhile and the care was stalling out.. it was at 12.8 - 13.3..for a while before it went up to 13.5-13.6V. Now i though a system is usually 14.4-14.7 when its running to charge?

Nate



Evolution of Cavyboy-->C22t--> C24na--->c24s/c
1995 Cavalier W/2k1 Engine
GM S/C 13.940@99.78pmh w/2.068 60ft

Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Sunday, August 27, 2006 10:27 AM
I'm pretty sure that when the cars running it is right around that 13-13.5 area.
If it was 14.4, that would be awesome cause then you get more power out of audio.
Don't quote me but I think thats right.

-Seth



Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Sunday, August 27, 2006 10:39 AM
I have anywhere between 14.4 and 14.7, says my Autometer gauge. Idleing its around 14, driving mid 14s.



Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Sunday, August 27, 2006 4:13 PM
It should be around 13.5V if it dropping below 12.5 then somethings draw it and ya gotta fine it


http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/4235/jim25ek.jpg
Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Sunday, August 27, 2006 4:34 PM
My voltmeter gauge reads between 14 and 14.5 when the car is running, even with both amps and headlights on.





Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Sunday, August 27, 2006 7:11 PM
idling my gauge read 13.5-14, cruising, it's 14-14.5
Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Sunday, August 27, 2006 7:29 PM
mine goes from 13.8-14.7



Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Sunday, August 27, 2006 7:48 PM
mine is a stock eco and ranges from 13.4 to 14.1



Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Sunday, August 27, 2006 9:43 PM
higher voltage can be a sign of a battery going bad...the less charge a battery has, the less resistance it has, causing the alternator to put out more voltage




Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Monday, August 28, 2006 6:54 AM
13.3-14.7

As long as its over 12.8 I don't worry. I know the battery is getting charged. I do know that when I kick on my fan the voltage drops to 11.3 and sometimes lower but then kicks right back up to whatever it was before minus .1 or .2 volts. It drops so low initially because it takes that much juice to get the fan started but very little to keep it going.



I used to race cars, now I race myself.
5K PB: 24:50
10K PB: 54:26
Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Monday, August 28, 2006 7:13 AM
14.0 to 14.7 nominal.



PRND321 Till I DIE
Old Motor: 160whp & 152ft/lbs, 1/4 Mile 15.4 @88.2
M45 + LD9 + 4T40-E, GO GO GO

Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Monday, August 28, 2006 11:50 AM
mm...when the fan is on.. its a constant 13.0 V ..then goes back up to 13.7V with it off.

Nate



Evolution of Cavyboy-->C22t--> C24na--->c24s/c
1995 Cavalier W/2k1 Engine
GM S/C 13.940@99.78pmh w/2.068 60ft
Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Monday, August 28, 2006 11:52 AM
oops.forgot to click email me.



Evolution of Cavyboy-->C22t--> C24na--->c24s/c
1995 Cavalier W/2k1 Engine
GM S/C 13.940@99.78pmh w/2.068 60ft
Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Monday, August 28, 2006 8:22 PM
a good alternator will put out 14v or higher no matter what is on at idle. These 3-phase alternators don't have to be revved up to put out alot of power. if it's anything under that start saving your brushes are wearing thin or your voltage regulator is going.


--------------------------------------------------
'96 Cavalier Good ol' Pushrod 2.2
-24X,000 miles on factory build
-Some oil loss between changes, me thinks it be rings.
Re: What should ur volts be with car running?
Monday, August 28, 2006 8:24 PM
side note(if your running a big sound system the thumps might lower to below 14v but should jump back up. your car should start running rough from alternator drag before the voltage gets below 14v.)


--------------------------------------------------
'96 Cavalier Good ol' Pushrod 2.2
-24X,000 miles on factory build
-Some oil loss between changes, me thinks it be rings.
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