Where does the dash voltmeter read from?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: Terre Haute, IN
Car: 1991 RS Camaro
Engine: 350 0.060" over
Transmission: 700r4
Where does the dash voltmeter read from?
The battery in my 91 RS shows 14.8 volts with the car running. I have replaced the wire from my battery to my alternator and now have the voltage loss there under 0.5V. However, when I turn everything on, the voltmeter in the instrument cluster goes down to 9 volts while the batter only drops about 0.1V.
I'm trying to decide if my in dash voltmeter is lying to me or not, so I figured I would find out where it measures voltage, and measure it there with a better instrument. Can anyone tell me where the in dash voltmeter reads from?
I'm trying to decide if my in dash voltmeter is lying to me or not, so I figured I would find out where it measures voltage, and measure it there with a better instrument. Can anyone tell me where the in dash voltmeter reads from?
Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 10
From: Mooresville NC
Car: LOWERED ♦ CRIMSON METALFLAKE
Engine: ► 400 KUBES ◄
Transmission: 765R4
Axle/Gears: EATON POSI 4.56
WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE POWER CAPTAIN
To save time and money the factory meter is tied in to the positive and ground traces in the dash PCB.
The factory meter is not linear in it’s response to input.
If want to accurately monitor your battery voltage use an aftermarket meter and run a dedicated line directly to the battery +terminal.
.
Happy Racing!
.
- Race Clean!. . . . . . . . . . . Do It On Dirt! -
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 10
From: PA
Car: 86 Trans AM
Engine: LS1 (not stock...)
Transmission: Built T56
Axle/Gears: Strange 12-bolt w/ 3.73
Re: Where does the dash voltmeter read from?
MOST factory gauges...even in new cars...are just a step above idiot lights. They are usually pretty inaccurate. If you want to know spot on...get aftermarket gauges. The voltage should be read at the battery as was already stated.
J.
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