Thread: Voltage reads 13.1-13.5 while running

check the volts at the battery while running, dead battery could take some more power to charge it back up.

you can also have the battery load tested, this will tell just how bad it is. parts stores do this for free. volts and load test.

I bought my voltage booster from zzp also and I received and installed it yesterday. My voltage is reading out 15.2 - 16.0! I think I might be removing mine..

Originally Posted by lewis1952

Your voltage should be 11.5-12 volts when resting and no more than 13.5 when running. The alternator shouldn't put out more than 14 volts, remember this is a 12 volt system. I have a 1999 Freightliner I use around the farm. It has 3 batteries and the alternator only puts out 14.5 volts.

Pretty wrong, the alternator should put at least 13.5 to 14.5 volts always.

You'll see upwards of 15 volts on really cold starts and while idling to get the engine warm, then drops to normal.

Every single car that I do charging system checks on reads atleast 14 volts at some point in time.

Not trying to be a dick but who buys a voltage booster? It has no value in a gtp. Maybe IM wrong...

Helps gives you a bit more voltage.. Guys that have dimming headlights etc it can help. But doing the big 3 is a better idea

More voltage is a bad idea though. Having cleaner grounds will net better results than higher voltage.

@ blackthunder yeah I bought stage 2. Im gonna take it out tonight. And the purpose wasnt to increase my cars value. It was to increase voltage to make windows roll up and down faster etc.. and to keep my amps near 14.4 volts.

Yea I would pull that stage 2 before you mess something up.. Want to make your windows roll up faster.. Upgrade the grounds to better gauge wiring.

I noticed when the car was at higher volts (15+) the dic flashed whenever I put a load on the car. Its out now.

It's a gimmick and does absolutely nothing to INCREASE power or voltage. All it does is relieve you of some cash from your pocket. Sure, your meter may read an increase in voltage, but its all smoke and mirrors. You can make your own with a $2 power diode from Radio Shack and some heats shrink tubing. Sorry to bust your bubble, but there's no magic bullet. You need a bigger alternator or less resistance in your wiring to make any real effect as noted.

edit: and YES the 15 volts is definitely going to screw some things up. If you read their (ZZP) disclaimer, it tells you that the stage II unit may cause over voltage problems. Lol...

I had a stage 1 booster for 3 months. It took out my battery by hitting 15.2 volts. It went in the parts pile and I now am at 13.9-14.1 volts.

I wish I had my Aeroforce back then so I could have prevented the overcharging.

yeah its back to 13.8 -14.4 now.

The stage 2 is for "Race Applications Only" or something according to ZZP.

Originally Posted by tc300

Would a bad alternator lead to engine whine...?? I've checked ALL my wiring this week!! Battery voltage seem fine tho.

Have you checked power steering fluid?