Blinking gauge

[wildcard]

My voltage gauge needle bounces down a little more than one volt everytime I turn a signal on. And bounces at every blink of the signal. Wondering if it could be a ground problem or what.

[l1k2gadd]

If you turn your headlights and high beams on and put your heater/ac blower motor on high does the needle drop in the gauge too?

Have you taken a volt meter and checked the voltage your alternator and voltage regulator are putting out across the battery terminals? You should be charging your battery at 13.7vdc (DC Volts) to 14.2 vdc with everything on at an idle.

It is very possible you could have one of the more sensitive voltage gauges as I have had with some of my 60s Mustangs in years past. I have had some that didn't move at all and others that were more sensitive to draws on the car's charging system.

[fmartin_gila1]

If you are saying a Voltmeter instead of the stock ammeter, this would be normal. A Voltmeter will indicate whenever there is a small change in system Voltage, as when you turn on or off most any electrical item. Will also show if your Generator or Alternator is working. A Voltmeter is much preferred over an Ammeter, especially for troubleshooting. JMHO.

Fred

[wildcard]

With everything on at an idle, it's charging right at 14. When they are turned on it drops about 1/2 volt for a fraction of a sec. then comes right back up to 14.
I installed the volt gauge so I tell at a glance if the battery is charged. Same for the oil pressure gauge. It saved my new engine a while back when I happened to glance at it and it read zero. Thanks to a fram filter not sealing. Gotta love those gauges.

[fmartin_gila1]

I always install a Voltmeter, Mechanical Oil Pressure, and a Mechanical Water Temperature gauge on all my vehicles and keep a constant eye on them. Whole lots better than the quasi-functioning factory gauges. The fuel gauge is just kind of a wild guess anyway, and I never let it show less than 1/4 before filling.

Fred

[wildcard]

I have all 3 in mine also. My light is out in my oil pressure gauge but if I want to look at it I turn on the dome light. And I'm with you on the 1/4 tank of gas. Even though I know it means I still have 1/2 a tank.

[Dragon]

You are dropping 2 volts every time the bulbs flash just counting the 1157 and 1156 bulbs. So your 13.2 becomes 11.2 if the current rises as a good system should. You will not get as bad a jump if the idle is set with the headlights and radio on.

[wildcard]

OK, Thanks. I'll look more into it this weekend.