Possible bad volt gauge

[406Monte]

Well, i have been having problems with my battery going dead after it sits. If you remeber i posted about it along time ago. Well, with my work habits (USMC Infantry) i just finally got around to really looking for my problem.

I went and hooked up a test light in the system and started to pull fuses and wires to find my draw. Well, wouldn't you know that the draw was coming from my voltage gauge. I fixed that issue and created another or just highlighted this issue. It seems that my gauge likes to read around 11-12.5 for some reason. I took it to Autozone to get it tested and this is what i found out. The alt was putting out 174 amps and around 13.75-14.3 volts. So it looks like the alt is good. Then they tested the battery and it looks like it is good. But, i have my doubts about the Optima Red Top battery. I have read that alot of poeple are on the 4th and even 6th battery. I am actually on my 3rd on myself.

I am wondering if my battery is really junk or my gauge is bad. I am going to get another gauge and mount it and see what it reads. If it reads the same then i am stumped. If not then i am going to swap out the battery. I am just tired of driving around not knowing if it is going to start for me. I have been carrying my jumper cables with my just in case. Well, what do you all think about it? ](*,)

Eric

 

[Supe]

Optima red top A = low voltage.

Brand new Optima red top = voltage where it's supposed to be.

Throw a multimeter on there and you'll have your answer.

 

[NEW2MALIBU]

I just installed my volt meter. I put a switch in between the positive wire. 12 volts with car turned off. 14.2 with car running. I have a one wire alternator which does not begin charging until around 1200 rpms. It continues charging until the alternator stops turning.

 

[454RAT]

mine as of lately has been giving me fits. I was at the track and was having a voltage issue. Mine is losing volts when I step on the brakes. I lose about 1 volt (at the gauge) when I press on the brakes. still have not figured this one out.

 

[406Monte]

You know what i have been having the same issue with my car. When i step on the brakes i too loose about one volt. I haven't figured this one out either. I am going to a shop that specializes in car electronics tomorrow and maybe they will know something.

 

[454RAT]

for me Im sure its one of 3 things. where I have the guage plugged in. or alternator getting weak or battery getting weak.