While driving my car yesterday my check gauges light came on and I noticed that my voltage meter is dead (although my battery is new and the car hasn't had any problems with electrical power). Anyone ever have this? Any ideas of how I can begin to trouble shoot it?


Thanks,
Mark

 

I have read about this before. If the voltage gauge goes bad you will have a check gauges light. I think the problem is obvious but maybe not. Follow the wiring to the gauge and if that seems good it would mean testing and replacing the gauge itself. Like said, I've read about this problem before so a volt gauge going bad isn't totally rare.

 

I believe the voltage meter actually checks the alternator. Could be a bad gauge or bad alternator.

 

It reads the current voltage be it bat. or alt. which ever is greater. If the car run and the gage read zero it's the gage. If the gage were reading correctly the car would not run!!!

 

or a short/open out wire

Not likely, but possible.

 

Turned out to be the alternator... it was fluxuating pretty badly. Replaced it and everything works fine now. Thanks for all your help.


//Mark