YACT: only reading 13-14 volts on dash

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Sukhoi

Originally posted by: duragezic

Originally posted by: Sukhoi
What should the cigarette plug be reading ('95 Corolla if it matters)? 14.4 volts too? I ask because I just bought a radar detector that includes a voltmeter, and it tells me 12.3V. Is this bad? My battery was giving me troubles starting this past winter when it was well below freezing, but it's been working fine now that the weather is warmer. I'm planning on replacing the battery before next winter anyway.

Oh and while the '95 Corolla is known for having a bad alternator, mine has already been replaced so I'm doubting that is an issue unless a slightly loose belt could be causing the problem.

Cigarette lighter outputs 12 VDC. Figure usually about a +/- 5% tolerance, so you're okay!

Actually I've found out that it only outputs 12V when the car is off. When it's on it has the same ~14V as the rest of the electrical system.

I did 7 hours of interstate driving on Friday and it was rather interesting to see how much the voltage swung around. It was anywhere from 13.4V to 14.2V, and usally hung around 13.7V.

LOL...

The alternator is not doing anything when the car is off. You're just reading battery voltage at that point.

 

[Sukhoi]

Yes I know that.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Sukhoi
Yes I know that.

Ah, ok.. your wording was confusing I guess.