Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What does your volts guage read

[johnls]

I bought my truck 6 months ago and it was pushing about 14. 5 volts on the guage. It started dropping to about 12. 2 at idle so I replaced the batteries and the alternator. I am now seeing 13. 7 at idle and 13. 7-13. 8 at 2000 rpm. I was wondering if I should see readings over 14 like I had before or is this normal. What are your trucks reading. Thanks

 

[kenny61]

its a little low but probably acceptable

 

[Moparsean]

mine just about 14 on the gauge,i too have a 97. That range is good if all your power draws are on (minus the intake heater) when your taking the reading. The voltage regulator is in the pcm (computer) on the firewall. Make sure all connections are bright and shinny. You would be surprized on how much just a little corrosion can cause a voltage drop.

 

[johnls]

Yeah everything is real clean. I was hoping that was what was causing it to be low, but after cleaning everything it stayed the same. On the factory guage it reads just a hair above 14, but with a voltmeter it is 13. 7-13. 8. Thanks for the replys.

 

[hsmith]

You are good with those readings. If charging system was weak, you would not have 13. 5. The dash gauge is just an indicator with a large margin for error.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Remember too the pcm compensates for temperature. right now the cranverries are roasting on the bogs at 85° and my voltmeter reads 13. 7 but when temps drop again it will push up to 14. 2°

 

[johnls]

Yeah I guess when I bought it the volts were 14. 5 or so but that was in January with 15 degree weather. Thanks for the replys