Got a New Toy for My Car

[Kirk M.]

I am always worried about the electrical system in my car, maybe because the first major incident I had with car was when the voltage regulator died and my alternator fried my battery. Ever since, I have worried whether the whole system is working ok, especially on trip. So, I bought this neat voltmeter that plugs into the cigar lighter and gives you a direct voltage readout. As you can see from the pic below, when the car is in park and idling the meter reads 14.4 V. When driving it usually settles on 13.2-13.4. Do those reading seem ok? Certainly, nothing seems wrong with the car.

Kirk

[Bill I.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Kirk, I have almost the same thing except mine swivels. You voltages are spot on. Bill.

[Steven B.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Those are slick! Available at auto parts stores???

[Bill I.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Steve, got mine at Wal-Mart, $14.99, back where the do the service on the cars, Wife says it's not with the regular auto products. Works great. Bill.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Here's mine, a Walmart special:

[Bill I.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Jerry, that's the one I have. Did you know the backlight is green in the garage? Bill.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Yep, the same one was twice the price at an auto parts store. That's green.

[Steven B.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Thanks guys! That is even easier than putting a meter on the charging system!

[Kirk M.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Got mine from JEGS. It was 39.95, but made by a very reputable gauge dealer. Not sure it was worth the price, but the size and style also fit the cluster well.

Kirk

[Jack H.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Yep, voltage readings seem to be in order! The typical lab bench DC power supply intended for automotive work is usually set to output 13.8 VDC. Modern cars, like my Suburban have voltmeters vs. ammeters and the guage is typically tracking around 14 VDC...

[Roy B.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Now that is a great idea for checking the system out , I have to get one and use it for my 55.
One more accessory

[Kirk M.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Now that is a great idea for checking the system out , I have to get one and use it for my 55.
One more accessory

Should be right up your alley Roy

[Roy B.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Should be right up your alley Roy

I'm a sucker and just cant help it

[Gerard F.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

Kirk,

They really come in handy, I keep mine in all the time, unless it is going to sit for a long time.

I got mine after I overhauled my alternator, and was cooking my lead acid battery with over-voltage. Used it to adjust the voltage down at the voltage regulator.

Now that I have one of those restoration gel batteries, it is very important to keep the voltage low in the 14-14.5 range at all rpms. You can ruin one of those expensive gel batteries by charging them over 15 volts.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Got a New Toy for My Car

you can save that $14.99 by buying a new corvette as that display will show up on the dash.