voltage problem...please help

[aaron7114 10+ year member]

Today I was kinda bored so I decided to test the voltage in my car. I got my DMM and popped my trunk put the DMM leads on my kinetik 2400 and started my car.....the DMM read 12 somethin then gradually movied up to 13.1...then it dropped just a little bit I think bc my car idled down after it was runnin for a little bit. Then I played just a 47 hz tone on a pretty low level and the voltage was stayin steady at 12.70.

I turned the bass off and the voltage charged back up a tad....but not even back up to 13 volts, 12.90 i believe. Then I turned my car off and the voltage quickly started dropping. After about 5 minutes of the car being off the voltage read 12.3. I popped my hood and checked to see what the voltage read with the battery under the hood and it was the same.

I have done the big 3 in 0 guage and have am running all 0 guage for batts and amps.

Any help?

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[aaron7114 10+ year member]

Should my voltage be running around 14.5 volts with the car running? Also the voltage shouldn't drop that fast and that low after I shut the car off should it?

 

[Qbenjamin 10+ year member]

My voltage will read about 14.2 when running also. When everything in my car shuts down, the voltage drops to about 12.4. I would consider that normal. You will see the voltage jump all over the place, depending on what you are doing to the car. In example, close all your doors, and test the voltage, then hit your alarm and watch the voltage jump around a bit. What you have is normal.

 

[aaron7114 10+ year member]

My voltage will read about 14.2 when running also. When everything in my car shuts down, the voltage drops to about 12.4. I would consider that normal. You will see the voltage jump all over the place, depending on what you are doing to the car. In example, close all your doors, and test the voltage, then hit your alarm and watch the voltage jump around a bit. What you have is normal.

What I dont understand is why my car does not run 14+ volts with it running....and no music or anything playing. Like alot of times when I turn my car on im running in the 12s....There is very seldom any day that my car will be running 14 volts.

Also I thought a kinetik held a charge longer than a regular battery....but like I said as soon as i shut the car off it immediately started dropping fast.

 

[csnut18 10+ year member]

Sounds like your alternator is on its way out. How many miles have you logged on this alternator. If you have had it for a bunch of years, it's time to go for something new. While you are at it, get a high output one. That 2500.1 is ******* a lot of power .

 

[aaron7114 10+ year member]

Sounds like your alternator is on its way out. How many miles have you logged on this alternator. If you have had it for a bunch of years, it's time to go for something new. While you are at it, get a high output one. That 2500.1 is ******* a lot of power .

I have had this alternator for probably a year. Luckily I have a lifetime warranty on it. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[casper97ta 10+ year member]

My voltage is 13.8 steady with the car running and 12.6 with car off. This is with a yellowtop under hood and the big 3 in 2/0. I expect to be sitting at 14+ with a new HO alt. I think what you're experiencing is normal for not having a strong Alt.

 

[csnut18 10+ year member]

Um, I don't think that is normal with any alternator when he has nothing running. I have a 2006 acura rsx type s with the stock alternator with a bunch of stuff in it and that voltage does drop with ac on full blast and the music going but when I turn everything off and the car is running I am always at 14.4 to 14.5 volts. That is what your car should be at with all acc off.

 

[aaron7114 10+ year member]

Um, I don't think that is normal with any alternator when he has nothing running. I have a 2006 acura rsx type s with the stock alternator with a bunch of stuff in it and that voltage does drop with ac on full blast and the music going but when I turn everything off and the car is running I am always at 14.4 to 14.5 volts. That is what your car should be at with all acc off.

Thats what I think too. I dont have my air, lights or anything on.

 

[aaron7114 10+ year member]

If I took my car to o'rieleys would they be able to see if anything is wrong with my alt? I mean I know they have a tester thing for alts but would it bc checking the right thing?