not really because you then hit the problem of if the alternators being a touch lazy the DBS can back feed amps into the system at times of high demand which might mask the beginnings of failure of the alternator.
Printable View
not really because you then hit the problem of if the alternators being a touch lazy the DBS can back feed amps into the system at times of high demand which might mask the beginnings of failure of the alternator.
Hi DeanoH and volt meters do not tell you if the battery is charging.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeanoH
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about volt meters, once the motor is running, all they will do is indicate that the alternator is working.
Having a decent alternator voltage reading does not indicate a battery is charging. The battery could be totally stuffed and not drawing any current at all, yet a volt meter will show there is a charging voltage at the battery, it's just not charging.
Amp meters can be very useful in telling you your battery is not charging but again, it indicates that there is already a problem.
The only way you can get advanced info of a battery being on the brink of failing is with a full battery monitoring system, which are expensive ( starting at 4$00 to $500 before fitting cost ) and unrealistic for the average 4x4 use.
You are of course quite correct.Quote:
Originally Posted by drivesafe
In context my statement was refering to indication of alternator failure/output degradation and its effect on battery voltage, as opposed to physical condition of the battery itself.
In this scenario (alternator failure/low output) battery voltage would drop as it became discharged. With digital voltmeters small changes in voltage are easier to notice than with an analog meter so action can be taken earlier was the point I was making.
Thanks Deano:)