After leaving Gold Canyon headed to Tuscon today I noticed that my dash voltmeter had dropped to 10 V. I engaged the boost switch that brought it up to 11V. Arriving in Tuscon I set up an appointment with a repair shop for tomorrow morning. As we were heading to the KOA the meter rose to 12 V, then just a hair past. It would normally run somewhere just above the 13V mark.
Any ideas on what I should start looking at before investing in the pros?
Thanks,
Len
Len,
Check voltage at the chassis battery to determine if this is a gauge or charging issue.
If chassis battery voltage is also down, the problem is with with alternator, battery isolator or wiring to alternator.
Start by verifying that all the wires at alternator and isolator are clean and tight, particularly the small sense wire. If all OK, let us know and we can walk you through an alternator/isolator diagnosis (assuming you have a digital voltmeter).
We plan to be in Tuscon in late Jan.
Check the dash relay, my be just loose nuts. ^.^d
From my own experience follow Bretts suggestions. You may also want to load test your batteries. I had two bad batteries.
Alternator belt tight? Squealing?
Reply to all...
Thanks for the input. I checked the belt, wires to the alternator and connections there. I was not able to do any testing with digital meter yet given the time and circumstances. It does give me some things to start with tomorrow.
This forum is invaluable and I really do appreciate everyone jumping in to help.
Len
Len,
Let us know if you have to drive before diagnosing and fixing the issue. There are work arounds using the generator, inverter/charger and boost switch to keep batteries charged. I would NOT recommend driving if voltage is low-- the engine and transmission computers need good voltage to operate.
A digital voltmeter reading on the chassis batteries with engine at 1000+ RPM will quickly help you determine the issue.
I had a similar problem and found that the Dash relay was not allowing voltage to go through. Check the voltage on both sides of the relay when the ignition is in the on position, should be close to equal. Mine had dropped to <9 volts going across. It is located under the dash behind and below the speedometer. ^.^d