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Voltage reads 13.1-13.5 while running

blackthunder

blackthunder

New member
So i bought the voltage booster from ZZP (along with a few other things ;) ) and I used the Torque program to see a "before" voltage before installing. I noticed that while running it only read 13.1-13.5 volts. Now i know my battery is going because if the car sits for more than 2 days the battery is dead.

Now is it only reading that because I have a dead cell in my battery? or is it an up and coming alternator issue?
 


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.
 
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..
 
Did you get the stage 2? I only got the stage 1. With the voltage booster installed im getting 14.4-14.5 volts.

Ill do more testing at home with the volt meter
 
lewis1952 said:
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.
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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.
 


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
 
@ 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.
 
I've had a DC Power HO alternator in my car for about 3 years now, and it charges at around 15-15.5v at all times. I haven't had any issues, but at the same time I run all dry cell/AGM batteries in my car (one in front and one in the trunk), so they may like higher voltages than standard batteries can take.

So IMO it's up for grabs whether or not charging above 15v is safe for your batteries.
 


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