Is it normal for battery voltage to fluctuate?

Is it normal for battery voltage to fluctuate?

Completely agree that this is perfectly normal behavior. The indicated voltage is a function of the battery’s state of charge and loading at the time, and what the car’s electronics are doing to charge the battery. As others have posted, it can go up to 15V or even a bit more.

What could be the cause of a car battery voltage fluctuating B N 12v and 14.2 V when driving car starts fine each time though?

What could be the cause of a car battery voltage fluctuating b/n 12v and 14.2v when driving? Car starts fine each time though. It’s because the alternator which makes the voltage to recharge the battery is engine driven with a belt, the slower the engine spins the slower the alternator spins which affects voltage.

What are the symptoms of a bad alternator?

6 Symptoms of a Failing Alternator

• The indicator light.
• Headlights are dim or flickering.
• Other electrical failures.
• Strange noises.
• Car stalls or has difficulty starting.
• Battery dies.

Can a bad voltage regulator cause no start?

A bad voltage regulator may cause it to simply not work or behave erratically. You’re not likely to be able to start the car at all, but even if you could, it wouldn’t be wise to do so without knowing how fast you’re driving, how much fuel you have left, and other critical info.

Can you check an alternator by disconnecting the battery?

If you’re tempted to test an alternator by disconnecting the negative battery cable, don’t do it. A good alternator may indeed keep the engine running without the negative cable, but this was never a good test. In the pre-computer days, you could pull it off without damaging anything.

How far can I drive my car with bad alternator?

You can probably make it about 3-4 miles. Had a belt shred on an old acura, it made it home from about 3 miles out with no problems. How long was the drive on just the battery? My alternator failed me once and I drove about 28 miles at night before the car ran out of juice.

How do you check for a short alternator?

Disconnect the big main cable to the alternator and see if the short goes away. If it does, then use your meter to measure the ohms between the alternator post and the alternator case. You should have continuity in one direction and if you switch leads you’ll have no continuity.

What causes an alternator to short out?

Bad diodes are a common cause of alternator failure. The diodes are part of the rectifier assembly that converts the alternator’s AC output to DC. A leaky diode also can allow current to drain out of the battery through the alternator when the vehicle is not being driven.

Is it possible to short out an alternator?

yes alternator windings or rectifier bridge can short out.

How do you know if your truck alternator is bad?

7 Signs of a Failing Alternator

1. Dim or Overly Bright Lights.
2. Dead Battery.
3. Slow or Malfunctioning Accessories.
4. Trouble Starting or Frequent Stalling.
5. Growling or Whining Noises.
6. Smell of Burning Rubber or Wires.
7. Battery Warning Light on Dash.

Can AutoZone check alternator?

We can do a charging test in the parking lot which tests the battery, and will determine whether or not your system is charging properly. This test may not pinpoint whether the alternator is bad or not, but you can also remove the alternator from your vehicle and have it tested at the nearest AutoZone auto parts store.

Will check engine light come on for alternator?

On modern vehicles, an undercharging charging alternator may result in an illuminated check engine light. On modern vehicles, an overcharging alternator may result in an illuminated check engine light. It may also cause all kinds of problems with the onboard electronics and computer controls.

How long should alternator last?

about seven years