I'm a little worried. help.

[fwb_1234 10+ year member]

OK guys. Ive got a pioneer HU, which as many of you know can give you the voltage of your car's electrical system. What worries me is that mine is so low. According to the HU, my car rests a just about 13.8, with EVERYTHING off (AC, SW, Vol = 0, lights, etc) and the car on.

I have an 800W SW set-up (in sig). I've done the big3 and I'm running stock batt. and stock 90A alt.

I think the problem is in the HU, maybe there is some resistance in the power and ground wiring that is reducing the line voltage to the HU. Is this possible and a common problem?

My buddies "works." It reads 14.4, etc. I have done some extensive dash modification, because of the mazda 6 dash style which included replacing the whole console plastic piece with an aftermarket kit. Perhaps the pieces and connections aren't as good as in the stock wiring harness?

Is there another way to check my car's voltage?

If it is sitting at 14.4 as expected, then what can I do to fix this little HU dilemma?

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[wesl56 10+ year member]

your hu is probably working fine

there is nothing to be worried about with 13.8v

you can verify the battery voltage with a voltmeter

not all cars have 14.4 volts, depends in age/battery condition/ etc

 

[NoPh33rRaCiNg 10+ year member]

get a volt meter and measure your power wires voltage thats going to your amp.

 

[fwb_1234 10+ year member]

The reason that I'm fretting a smidge is cause I want to buy an Optima yellowtop and according to its spec sheets it needs to charge between 13.65 and 15V...

Spec sheets for D34 (pdf)

http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/automotive/deep_cycle/spec_sheets.RowPar.0001.ContentPar.0001.ColumnPar.0005.File.tmp/D34_78_082104.pdf

 

[fwb_1234 10+ year member]

get a volt meter and measure your power wires voltage thats going to your amp.

Good idea, thanks

 

[wesl56 10+ year member]

well 13.8 is between 13.65 and 15? lol is your current battery kinda old? that may be why the volts are a *tad* low

 

[fwb_1234 10+ year member]

It's usually at 13.5 with air and sound.

Edit: and even lower with SW hitting. It drops down to 12.5 going 60mph.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

 

[Propimp 10+ year member]

I HAVE A pioneer also, when I first get ingot car and start it it is around 14.1-.2 after she runs a little she goes to 13.8-.9, with music and air at full im still around 13.5ish

 

[fwb_1234 10+ year member]

Any ideas?

 

[jmanpc 5,000+ posts]

The consensus with the pioneer built-in volt meter is that it isn't terribly accurate. From what I've heard, to get the most accurate reading, ground to the battery. But definately whip out a DMM and see what it says,