Show Us Your Voltmeter

[Oztourer]

Hi Folks
One of the reasons I love (and sometimes hate) the D3 is the impressive array of electronics that's been packed into these vehicles and If you've read any of my previous posts, you might know I've had my (un)fair share is issues but I'm keeping my resolve!! I've been getting a few curly gremlins including not wanting to change gear on the odd occasion and most recently a message being displayed when cranking the motor about Special Programs being disabled which immediately clears once the engine starts. I got my battery tested and it was marginal so I replaced it and all is good however one thing I've noticed is that my Traxide USI-160 is still routinely indicating that it has disconnected the aux battery from the charger due to high voltage (flashing yellow LED on the dash module). I've done a great deal of reading on both this and the UK forum learning about how the D3 charging system works and one thing I want to do is get an in-cab voltmeter set up to see what the true charge voltage is at any given time. There are plenty of cheap plug in volt meters available online which I question the accuracy of however I was also wondering if anyone has fitted anything else? I could use my Nanocom but it's another bloody device to have on a dash that already looks like the Starship Enterprise and it's not so convenient to set up in instrument mode when taking short trips.
Love to hear what you all have and think.
Cheers

[DrOsteo]

I was having similar issues which turned out to be a loose battery connection.

[Eevo]

Matson Bluetooth Wireless Battery Monitor - Supercheap Auto (http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Matson-Bluetooth-Wireless-Battery-Monitor/540712)

attach to battery
it sends voltage data and cranking voltage data to your phone where it is stored.

im interested in your high voltage issue as my 08 RRS does the same occasionally. it was the traxide unit doing the flashy thing that gave me the heads up. i installed the montior the was able to record while driving that sometimes the voltages goes up to 15.1volts. has only occurred in the first mine or 2 of driving.

[RANDLOVER]

https://www.britpart.com/parts/winching/batteries/battery-guard/

Britpart do one, too.

[rocket rod]

Given you have a Traxide system, you may want to talk direct to Tim. He has some Bluetooth enabled battery monitors for about $30. I've ordered a couple today so I can't comment yet on their performance but I'm assured they are very accurate and keep voltage reading for about a month.

[drivesafe]

Hi Oztourer, before you buy anything, try doing a hard reset, and see if this fixes the high voltages.

BTW, how much driving have you done since replacing the cranking battery?

[Bigbjorn]

Here is the reworked instrument panel in my 1986 County. The plastic binnacle disintegrated from sun and shaking so I found a good one and decided to put instruments i with proper graduations.

The voltmeter is a Smiths probably from the 1960's and is a simple install. One wire to the battery and one to an ignition feed.143102

I actually used the exiting LR wires which just plugged in to the lugs on the back of the Smith's meter. I mentioned the ease of hookup for those unfamiliar.

[Oztourer]

The Britpart and Magson's look similar the the Cetek Voltage Sense that I've also just come across and all look like they will do the trick with a very simple install.

I'll try the hard reset tomorrow Tim. I installed the battery about 3 weeks ago. Whilst great for my work/life balance, I know my short drives to and from work (~15 mins each way) aren't doing the charging of my battery much good so I try to do a full recharge at home every 3 months or so (although I haven't done a charge on the new one yet).

[drivesafe]

Hi again Ozourer, the reason I decided to sell the BM2 monitors is that they have far more features but have a look at the link below and decide for yourself.

BM2 Bluetooth Battery Voltage Monitors (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/the-verandah/261576-bm2-bluetooth-battery-voltage-monitors.html)

[Eevo]

The Britpart and Magson's look similar the the Cetek Voltage Sense that I've also just come across and all look like they will do the trick with a very simple install.

I'll try the hard reset tomorrow Tim. I installed the battery about 3 weeks ago. Whilst great for my work/life balance, I know my short drives to and from work (~15 mins each way) aren't doing the charging of my battery much good so I try to do a full recharge at home every 3 months or so (although I haven't done a charge on the new one yet).


ive got the ctek battery sense. its nowhere near as good. its an immature product with less features. twice the price and less then half the features. i was very disappointed.