Alternator tested bad, battery tested ok. Slapped in a new alternator and we are mostky working correctly. No more fluctuons with engine rpm, and my multimeter reads 14.7 at various points across the engine bay.

The only problem is that the aftermarket in-dash voltmeter is reading a very steady 16v. I think it’s a AutoMeter, if I remember right. Not a huge deal I guess but a little annoying. I’m assuming these analog multimeters don’t have calibration adjustment?

Your multimeter will be a lot more accurate than the gauge in the dash. Just check voltage across the battery while the engine is running at normal idle speed.

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:
Your multimeter will be a lot more accurate than the gauge in the dash. Just check voltage across the battery while the engine is running at normal idle speed.

Yea, I measured it there amongst other places. It’s 14.7 so we’re in good shape.

quote:

Originally posted by thumperfbc:

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:
Your multimeter will be a lot more accurate than the gauge in the dash. Just check voltage across the battery while the engine is running at normal idle speed.

Yea, I measured it there amongst other places. It’s 14.7 so we’re in good shape.

14.7 is still high. You should usually see 13.5-13.7 volts charging.

Maybe a little high until the battery is fully charged, if it’s under 15 volts it will be ok. On the vehicles at work I usually see 13.8 to 14.5 volts.

quote:

Originally posted by Shifferbrains:
Maybe a little high until the battery is fully charged, if it’s under 15 volts it will be ok. On the vehicles at work I usually see 13.8 to 14.5 volts.

I drove it to work today, about 25 minutes of city driving. The reading once I arrived was 14.2 at idle according to my multimeter (just a radio shack one but it has treated me well).

quote:

Originally posted by thumperfbc:

quote:

Originally posted by Shifferbrains:
Maybe a little high until the battery is fully charged, if it’s under 15 volts it will be ok. On the vehicles at work I usually see 13.8 to 14.5 volts.

I drove it to work today, about 25 minutes of city driving. The reading once I arrived was 14.2 at idle according to my multimeter (just a radio shack one but it has treated me well).

Perfect! I just checked a brand new Nissan van today for grins, it was reading 14.6 volts.