#Car battery indicator meter generator#

Increased internal generator temperatures from extended idling can also contribute to lower electrical system voltage.Attempting to recharge a battery by letting the engine run at idle may not be beneficial unless all electrical loads are turned 'OFF'. Extended periods of engine idling, with high electrical loads, may result in a discharged battery.This is equivalent to the brown outs experienced by homes and businesses when the electrical demand is more than the supply. This will result in a drop in the electrical system voltage as the battery delivers the additional electrical current to meet the demand. At idle, vehicle electrical loads may exceed the low speed current (amperage) output of the generator and when this happens the shortfall comes from the battery.This would be considered abnormal usage of the vehicle and the normally expected result for the vehicle battery, generator and electrical systems. The vehicle's computers, clocks and the like will cause the battery state of charge to drop (For example 30 days in a parking lot and the vehicle may not start because of a dead battery or a vehicle which is driven only a short distance once a week may end up with a discharged battery to the point where the vehicle may not start). Non-usage of the vehicle for extended periods of time.The following factors may affect generator and battery performance:

Recharge/maintain the battery's state of charge.Supply the current necessary to operate the vehicle's originally equipped electrical devices (loads).These are normal operating characteristics of a vehicle electrical system and no repairs should be attempted unless a proven fault has been diagnosed.ĭuring normal driving conditions, when engine speed is above 1000 RPM, the generator is designed to do two things: These characteristics may be more noticeable with customer added electrical accessories, or with a discharged battery. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-06-03-008C (Section 06 - Engine).Īny vehicle may have a low voltage display (if equipped with gauges), lights that dim at stop lights, slow cranking, no start, low generator output at idle or dim lights at idle when electrical loads are heavy at idle or under slow driving or infrequent usage conditions. This bulletin is being revised to add the 2009 model year. Models: 1990-2009 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks (including Saturn) Subject: Low Voltage Display on IP Gauge, Lights Dim at Stop Lights, Battery Discharged, No Start, Slow Cranking, Dim Lights at Idle, Low Generator Output #02-06-03-008D: Low Voltage Display on IP Gauge, Lights Dim at Stop Lights, Battery Discharged, No Start, Slow Cranking, Dim Lights at Ilde, Low Generator Output - (Jul 21, 2008) I would definitely start measuring the output there, and make sure that all the ground is properly connected. If you have one of those that shows the voltage without the engine running, then check your gauge for a bad resistor on the dash panel. The low voltage may be indicative of issues with your alternator. Oluseun, with the engine running the gauge should measure the output of your alternator.

Car battery indicator meter