Serious Inconsistent Voltage Issue!

[spoonraker 10+ year member]

I didn't realize it was such an inconsistent issue. From your first post I thought it was just another "my HO alt doesn't work at low rpm" issue.

It may still be that simple. Perhaps it just reads high when you first start the car and the battery doesn't begin to drain until you have had your amp on for a while. You might just not be letting it idle in park long enough for the amp to start draining the battery, which would lead you to believe that not being in park somehow makes your alternator act up.

Turn your car on, if it reads 14s like you say it does, instead of driving it, just leave it idling in park for a while. If the voltage drops, that means it's more than likely a pulley issue. Also, when doing these tests, play your system at a consistent volume, don't fluctuate it as you stated in your first post. If you want to diagnose a problem, you have to find the source, and without controlling variables you'll never be able to do that.

 

[Decipha 10+ year member]

have you checked all connections? big 3?? do you have a fuseable link or a fuse on the alt to batt wire? i'd check that the fuseable link or fuse may be faulting out giving you major dips... i i'd double check all power connections though

 

[Decipha 10+ year member]

ouuu i overlooked that... you said you changed the belt because you went with a smaller pulley on the alt... is the belt small enuff?? did the tensioner fall in about the same position as before with the older alt and belt? you may not have enuff tension on the belt and it could possibly be slipping giving you a dip in voltage

 

[quakerroatmeal 10+ year member]

I'll let the car idle for a long time and see what happens. There's definitely enough tension on the belt. It's definitely not slipping, it was befor on the belt that had slack but not now. Thanks for the response.

 

[quakerroatmeal 10+ year member]

Well I turned the car on this morning. A little squeak on the belt not sure why, started up fine though idling at 14.5-14.6 for a while, moderate volume on head-unit 20/45. Played for like 15-25minutes. Voltage went down to 14.3 or so and stayed there for a long time. Then I had to go somewhere so I drove off. As soon as I start driving and stopping etc to turn voltage would go down (still at moderate bumping), to about 12.8-12.5-13.0 or so until I drive 45mph+ or keep the rev up at 3krpm. It's hopeless. Not sure if it was because the car sat overnight that made the belt squeak, but I turned it on again now squeak is gone now. I have no fuse from the alt to battery positive. And my connections are fine I believe.

 

[quakerroatmeal 10+ year member]

Noobdy know at all?

 

[quakerroatmeal 10+ year member]

With both amps off completely, only head-unit and my voltage meter on. Completely ZERO load, my voltages still fluctuates.

 

[soydeedo 10+ year member]

what kind of car do you have? and what exactly is the voltmeter connected with/to? also i'm curious if your lights and stuff are dimming when you're getting this reported voltage fluctuation.

 

[quakerroatmeal 10+ year member]

1995 Acura Integra Coupe LS. Lights do not dim.

 

[fawd06 10+ year member]

i have the same problem. alt at idle is 12.5 and when u rev it up, goes to14.5. I talked to dom already he told me send it in and hes going to send me a new one. i dont know what it can be, might just be the regulator..

 

[quakerroatmeal 10+ year member]

Can't be serious. Happened on the stock alternator. When I first turn on the car it'll read 14.5-14.6 It's when I start driving around and getting to a stop. Drops to 12.5-12.8 until I drive faster or rev up to minimum of 3krpm. Grrrrr...........F#$K.

 

[fawd06 10+ year member]

yup same problem i have. im sending mine in after there 2 comps this weekend. if i find something out ill let u know. but as far as problems he jsut told me send it in. hopefully u dont have to take it out. you know its a pain in the *** to do it

 

[Colt9699 10+ year member]

1995 Acura Integra Coupe LS. Lights do not dim.

Defective voltage gauge?

My amp has a volt gauge on it and if it gets below like 13 my lights dim.....

Might wanna check voltage witha different gauge or a cap with volt readout, do you have a volt meter in your dash?

 

[quakerroatmeal 10+ year member]

Not a defective voltage gauge. It's a Stinger Expert Voltage Meter, I have checked with my DMM, I even have one on my head-unit. All says the same thing.

 

[Colt9699 10+ year member]

Not a defective voltage gauge. It's a Stinger Expert Voltage Meter, I have checked with my DMM, I even have one on my head-unit. All says the same thing.

Ok.

I just figured you would see some dimming with voltages going sub 12.8 volts.

good luck figuring it out.