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Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:20:11 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: Will someone explain voltage display on dash?, RayF, Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:58:21
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Yes, the initial voltage is the cranking voltage. There are few hard and fast numbers here, because each car captures that voltage at a different time and way. I think it's safe to say that cranking voltages in the 8 volt range indicate a battery on the way out. But what really counts is your individual car. I've got one car that shows low 9's with a fresh battery, and it's not until 8.7 before I know the battery is tired. I can also hear it crank slow. I've got another where 9.5 is a bad battery. So what's right for you? Watch the voltage, and get to know it. If the car regularly shows low 10 volts, and is now in the upper 9's, that's a sign something has changed. If it's a really cold day, that might be it. But also listen for slow cranking.

The voltage while driving is a bit different. It will vary depending on engine speed (more speed - higher voltage), electrical loads (more loads, lower voltage) and underhood temperatures (higher temps, lower voltage). Basically, over 14.5 and less than 13.0 at above idle speeds is a sign of a voltage regulator that is on the way out. At idle, you might see voltages as low as the upper 12's on a hot day with the AC on, blower motor going like mad, and the brake lights on. You might see 14.3 on a cold day when the temperature compensation in the VR cranks up the voltage. 13.5 isn't 'better' than 13.2 - just different.

The voltage while driving has little to do with the battery - when the engine is running, it's the alternator that sets the voltage. You could remove the battery (Don't!) and the car would still run and the EDU show voltages in the 13 range.

The trick with the EDU is not to sweat the reading. For starting, get to know what your car does, and look for sudden changes. While under way, 13.0 to 14.5 is normal, typically in the 13's, but each car is different. It will vary normally, as electrical loads kick on or off (AC compressor, lights, seat heater, blower motor....)

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