Settle an argument plezzzzz!! - Page 2

Glen Morangie · Mar 5th, 2008, 20:18

With the ignition on you will read the battery voltage, around 12 Volts, when charging is going on around 14.5 volts.

I havent looked at Halfords multimeters, cheapest source would probably be an electronics store or ebay.

(Edit) If you go to an electronics store they may be able to supply you with a crocodile clip which will convert one of the 'pin' probes supplied with the meter (they may try to sell you a whole set of leads, but if you search around you should find a suitable clip).

If you then expose the fuse holder you can stick the +ve probe down into a fuse or spare fuseway, and attach the other (-ve) lead with the clip to a suitable earth point.

You can then read the voltage as you drive.

CTCNetwork · Mar 5th, 2008, 23:34

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuartg07

My friend did check with a voltmeter whilst the engine was running and it did read at 14 as you say........ BUT... the dash warning lamps came on before i started the engine!! what would be useful to know is what would a voltmeter read if i started the engine when the dash warning lamps werent lit up!! Ie if i blipped the throttle above 2000rpm I would be able to see if the alternator is 'self exiting'!! Guess what i'm buying tommorrow!!!! Halfords should stock a basic one shouldnt they??

Don't ALL the dash warning lamps come on when you turn the ignition on to position one?
Then once started they should then all go out unless there is a fault...

I do know that if you disconnect your instrument panel the alternator stops charging the battery.. Did on my 740...

Des. . .

STUpid · Mar 6th, 2008, 09:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glen Morangie

With the ignition on you will read the battery voltage, around 12 Volts, when charging is going on around 14.5 volts.

I havent looked at Halfords multimeters, cheapest source would probably be an electronics store or ebay.

(Edit) If you go to an electronics store they may be able to supply you with a crocodile clip which will convert one of the 'pin' probes supplied with the meter (they may try to sell you a whole set of leads, but if you search around you should find a suitable clip).

If you then expose the fuse holder you can stick the +ve probe down into a fuse or spare fuseway, and attach the other (-ve) lead with the clip to a suitable earth point.

You can then read the voltage as you drive.

Thanks thats very helpfull will do just that and hopefully get to the bottom of this!!!!! once again thatnks for the advice, Stu

Mar 7th, 2008, 10:08

Avoid Halfords, go to Maplin for multimeter

Mar 5th, 2008, 20:18	#11
Glen Morangie Economy motorist Last Online: May 16th, 2024 23:05 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London	With the ignition on you will read the battery voltage, around 12 Volts, when charging is going on around 14.5 volts. I havent looked at Halfords multimeters, cheapest source would probably be an electronics store or ebay. (Edit) If you go to an electronics store they may be able to supply you with a crocodile clip which will convert one of the 'pin' probes supplied with the meter (they may try to sell you a whole set of leads, but if you search around you should find a suitable clip). If you then expose the fuse holder you can stick the +ve probe down into a fuse or spare fuseway, and attach the other (-ve) lead with the clip to a suitable earth point. You can then read the voltage as you drive. Last edited by Glen Morangie; Mar 5th, 2008 at 20:28.

Mar 7th, 2008, 10:08	#14
angmarwitch Guest Location:	Avoid Halfords, go to Maplin for multimeter Last edited by angmarwitch; Mar 7th, 2008 at 10:09. Reason: typo as per usual

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)