Maserati 4200 volt meter
Discussion
Small problem ( I hope)
Since some spirited driving a couple of weeks ago the volt meter on my 4200 has been reading lower than usual. Previously it hovered pretty constantly around the 14v region, now it sits at about 13 or lower, sometimes dipping to 12, but the warning light (which is working) does not come on.
Car runs just fine (although the throttle response is now a bit fluffy just above idle sometimes)
Anyone got an insight on whether this is the alternator showing early signs of imminent retirement or is this just another Italian electrics foible?
Andy
Since some spirited driving a couple of weeks ago the volt meter on my 4200 has been reading lower than usual. Previously it hovered pretty constantly around the 14v region, now it sits at about 13 or lower, sometimes dipping to 12, but the warning light (which is working) does not come on.
Car runs just fine (although the throttle response is now a bit fluffy just above idle sometimes)
Anyone got an insight on whether this is the alternator showing early signs of imminent retirement or is this just another Italian electrics foible?
Andy
Don't want to scare you but when I had my 4200 the large power feed cable to the alternator between the Vee of the cylinder banks was badly routed and started to chafe, I noticed a slight voltage drop at first, then the following day it dropped lower and lower, I wasn't far from home so took it easy but eventually the dash lit up like a christmas tree and the car cut out, apparently it was close to catching fire!
However I've yet to come accross another 4200 that had the same problem so it most likely is the gauge, might be worth keeping an eye on though.
However I've yet to come accross another 4200 that had the same problem so it most likely is the gauge, might be worth keeping an eye on though.
andymadmak said:
mr_spock said:
My Gransport did that as the battery was dying. I replaced it last weekend, it's fine now.
Very interesting. I did wonder about the battery.............
e's kecks for a couple of months.Then it went dead within a week, new battery sorted it.
update on this:
I finally got a digital volt meter on the car at the weekend.
Readings over two hours, taken from the battery terminals were as follows:
Engine not running, car only just taken off trickle charger: 12.8 volts
Engine started (cold) Idling : 14.5 volts
Engine left to warm up, idling : 13.7 volts
Engine warm, idling, ALL available electrics turned on : 13.2 volts
Engine warm, 2000rpm, ALL available electrics still on : 13.5 - 13.7 volts
Engine warm, 3000rpm, All available electrics still on : 13.7 volts
Engine warm, idling, All electrics switched off : 13.7 volts
Engine off : 12.4 volts
Throughout all this the volt meter on the dash was reading (sort of) in agreement with the digital one, so I don't think it's the instruments.
Battery is at least 3, and possibly 4 years old.
(All available electrics = Lights, main beam, heated rear window, front and rear fogs, heater fan max, radio on. )
So guys...... Battery or alternator?
I finally got a digital volt meter on the car at the weekend.
Readings over two hours, taken from the battery terminals were as follows:
Engine not running, car only just taken off trickle charger: 12.8 volts
Engine started (cold) Idling : 14.5 volts
Engine left to warm up, idling : 13.7 volts
Engine warm, idling, ALL available electrics turned on : 13.2 volts
Engine warm, 2000rpm, ALL available electrics still on : 13.5 - 13.7 volts
Engine warm, 3000rpm, All available electrics still on : 13.7 volts
Engine warm, idling, All electrics switched off : 13.7 volts
Engine off : 12.4 volts
Throughout all this the volt meter on the dash was reading (sort of) in agreement with the digital one, so I don't think it's the instruments.
Battery is at least 3, and possibly 4 years old.
(All available electrics = Lights, main beam, heated rear window, front and rear fogs, heater fan max, radio on. )
So guys...... Battery or alternator?
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