Dashboard Amp gauge reading high.
In my camper van my amp gauge has started to read higher than normal.Where it used to read at the half way point it is now reading between 1/2 and 3/4. Thinking it was a bad voltage regulator in the ...
Forum Discussion
Dashboard ammeters are notoriously inaccurate.
First, clean the battery terminals and the top of the battery. At a minimum, spray it down with a strong spray from a garden hose. Max sure the battery terminal on secure.
Get a digital multi-meter. The $6 Harbor Freight meters are not very good, but their $24 meter is not bad. Craftsman has a few to choose from in the $35-$50 range. No need to spend more than that.
The last reading is the one that would indicate over charging. But over charging could be caused by a high load.
First, clean the battery terminals and the top of the battery. At a minimum, spray it down with a strong spray from a garden hose. Max sure the battery terminal on secure.
Get a digital multi-meter. The $6 Harbor Freight meters are not very good, but their $24 meter is not bad. Craftsman has a few to choose from in the $35-$50 range. No need to spend more than that.
- Check and record the battery voltage before starting.
It should be between 12.0 and 13.0 - Turn the key on, high beams on and heater blower on high for about 5 minutes.
Check and record the voltage. It should be above 11.0 - Start the engine. Check and record the voltage. At a high idle, it should be above 13.8 but below 15.0
- Go for a 10-15 minute drive with all accessories turned off. Check and record the voltage at idle. It should be between 13.2 and 13.8
The last reading is the one that would indicate over charging. But over charging could be caused by a high load.
