Quikie question about voltage...

[autocross7]

My volt meter bounces about rather wildly at times... nothing tooooo bad, but I was wondering how stable is your needle (accounting for load of course. I understand lights etc... will cause a needle drop). Specifically, with no lights etc... (day running), how much of a fluctuation do you guys get in voltage?

Drive topless!!!
Cameron

[lotusman]

PLEASE, whenever you post include your Lotus year and type. Nearly every year is different in its parts and programming.

If you haven't read any of my prior posts, I have gone through three Motorola voltage regulates. Normally they are very stable until they just will not charge the battery. Always remember, and this applies to ANY auto, if you do not get at least 13.5 volts from the alternator, your battery will go dead. Mine also needs about a minute in cold weather before it starts providing volts.

Mine is easy to replace, screwed to the back of the alternator.

I just do not know why more car makers do not put volt meters on their cars. Wait, yes I do know, The devils can't rack up a big repair bill for a $30 item.

lotusman
'89 non-SE

[autocross7]

Sorry about that... my Esprit is an 88' Turbo...

I have not yet had to deal with a dead battery, so I am not too worried at this time. It is just that I'll read close to 14 with a occational drop to just above 12.5 or so ... then back up to 14 at idle speed.

Oh well, if the battery goes dead, I'll pull the alternator, check the contacts on the wires, etc... An alternator is a pretty easy thing to rebiuld, so I'll just wait for it to show a real problem.

Thanks for the reply,
Drive topless!!!
Cameron