Gauge issue or something else..?
#1
GT Member
Thread Starter
Gauge issue or something else..?
I recently had Ford racing gauges installed to replace some carbon fiber autometers and noticed an issue with the volt gauge. When starting the car it'll read around 14 volts and around 13 when warm, on occasion it will drop to 12-12.5 if I'm sitting in traffic or if the fan or a/c is running. Had the charging system checked at the dealer and they said everything was fine, I'm thinking the gauge might be faulty or maybe my alternator (original) might be flaking out? The old volt gauge was always around 13 volts and never dropped.. is this normal? I attached a pic of the gauge while stopped, sorry it's sideways..couldn't figure out how to fix that.. any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
Last edited by OneCoolGT; 7/17/17 at 10:18 PM.
#4
GT Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the replies, when the lights are on with no a/c it will be around 12 with the fan running and 12.5-13 without.. I've never gotten a battery light or dimming of the lights, could the gauge be bad?
#5
Shelby GT350 Member
Join Date: February 1, 2004
Location: Denton, TX
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That sounds pretty normal for the most part. However, anything under 13V would have me questioning if the alternator was *starting* to give out. It may test ok now, but I'd keep an eye on it.
You won't get the battery light and "check charging system" warning in the cluster until you get under 11V.
The only precaution I can recommend would be to clean up and grease the battery terminals if there's any corrosion.
You won't get the battery light and "check charging system" warning in the cluster until you get under 11V.
The only precaution I can recommend would be to clean up and grease the battery terminals if there's any corrosion.
#6
Legacy TMS Member
helps if I add the link
The PCM will vary the amount of charging depending on under hood temperatures. Check out this thread ( start halfway down after I got a new battery)
https://themustangsource.com/forums/f637/p0622-code-charging-system-datalog-539499/
it would make sense your voltage would decrease sitting in traffic, the temperatures climb pretty quick under there when you're not moving
https://themustangsource.com/forums/f637/p0622-code-charging-system-datalog-539499/
it would make sense your voltage would decrease sitting in traffic, the temperatures climb pretty quick under there when you're not moving
#8
GT Member
Thread Starter
The PCM will vary the amount of charging depending on under hood temperatures. Check out this thread ( start halfway down after I got a new battery)
https://themustangsource.com/forums/...atalog-539499/
it would make sense your voltage would decrease sitting in traffic, the temperatures climb pretty quick under there when you're not moving
https://themustangsource.com/forums/...atalog-539499/
it would make sense your voltage would decrease sitting in traffic, the temperatures climb pretty quick under there when you're not moving
#9
Legacy TMS Member
Thanks for the info! I notice it drops when the temp is hot out and been driving it for about a half hour or so, I'm gonna bring it in to a local shop and have them compare it to their readings. Think I might go with a 3-phase alternator when the original stocker calls it quits..