Alternator Voltage

[hackengineering]

I have an 06 that is mainly just a tow rig only used a few times a month. The past few times driven i have noticed the dash gage reading nearly 3/4 the way between 14 and 16. I load tested the batteries and voltage before starting and they checked out OK. Everything cleaned up and grounds are good. Voltage while running stays steady at 15v. I have put 500 miles on since i noticed this and no boil over but just checking if anyone has an opinion on this high of voltage.
I am going to swap the batteries around since if i remember right the alternator charges the passenger battery and the readings are from the drivers side. Possible the passenger battery is going bad and causing overcharge.
Let me know if you any thoughts.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Mine stays pretty close to that as well, it maybe in part because of the colder weather. I drove around and routinely got 14. 7 ~ 15. 1V.

Here's how the gauge sits:



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If your going to swap them anyway then it may be a good idea to have them load tested separately.

 

[hackengineering]

Thanks for the reply that is great to hear. My 02 sits right at 14v so i just had to question if my 06 was having issues.

 

[goodguys75]

totaly normal... . during all seasons... . if it was not that, i would worry... .

 

[Alaskaskiff]

The charge voltage will be higher in the winter as the control circuit has the input of a battery temperature sensor. As the temp gets colder higher voltage can be used without overheating the battery. It was -41 on my way to Fairbanks the other day and the voltage was 2/3+ up the safe range. As it warmed up the voltage gradually dropped a little.

 

[pjorlando]

The only true way to check charging voltage is with a volt meter at the battery. The gauge in the dash might be off and not accurate. My dash gauge reads like yours, being concerned with 2 new batteries installed, I tested voltage at each battery. 14. 7 at idle with lights on. Both batteries passed load tests and were fully charged when I checked out the system.