Normal voltage readings?

[aldive]

What are the normal voltage readings through out the day/night during normal operating of an Explorer? At startup? During ideling in traffic? etc.?

Thanks ....

 

[jimbo74]

this is a general spec for vehicle but around 14 volts when the vehicle is running and 12.6-8 when the vehcile is off after the surface charge is discharged

 

[Longjohn119]

13.8 volts is the design spec for regulators but there is a little leeway on boths sides of that, +/-5% if I remember right

Volts will drop during startup due to the heavy load plus you are on 100% battery, you'll also get momentary drops as you turn on accessories, like when your power windows top or bottom out

If the altenator and regulator are designed correctly you should see little voltage change between idle RPMs and 4000+ RPMs

 

[Robb]

13.8v has been a standard charging voltage for MANY years, but 2nd Gen Explorers run a little higher.

According to Ford, voltage should be read at 1500rpm, and measure between 14.1-14.7v. This should remain, relatively, constant throughout RPM range, but will increase some. +15.5v is an indication of overcharging.