Question about voltage

[psychocarne 10+ year member]

So i recently got a 1998 civic dx. I just installed my system and my head unit has a voltage display. I notice that even with my system off i still stay between 12.5-13. The only times its ever around 14 is if i start it on a really cold day. It drops right back down once the car warms up. Even stays low when reving the engine. Is this just some sort of regulator the civic has or something? I was just a little stumped on this one and thought maybe someone could help me out:eyebrow: .

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[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

No Honda I've ever owned has ever had a running voltage over 13.5v.

It's internally regulated that low. Yours seems a little weak though. Might just be the old corroded wires or a slowly dying battery or alternator.

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

could be the voltage regulator as well

 

[questionaire 10+ year member]

What is a battery to read when off(in general)??

 

[Johnny Drama 5,000+ posts]

Use a DMM to mesure the voltage. I have seen those HU voltage units over 1v off.

 

[matrxx dude 5,000+ posts]

x 2 jntar

 

[questionaire 10+ year member]

What should battery read when car is off?

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

fully charged battery should read 12.7 every wet cell or agm i have ever messed with after charging held that voltage or slightly higher after 24 hours

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

http://www.pasmag.com/article.asp?ID=403 just another tid bit