Gauges: What is normal?

[dn010]

What would be an average rpm for an automatic when doing 60-70mph?

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?118-RPM-to-MPH-Chart

[Lwanmtr]

Thanks. The one time (so far) i've driven at highway speed it seemed high. But I admit i could have been in 2nd the whole time, since most of the interior was disassmenbled, so I didnt know where the shifter was..hehe.

[Nate88]

Reviving an old thread.

My main concern is the battery gauge. When I start the car, the gauge is 13 volts maybe a hair more. However, as I drive it starts to dip a bit to a little under 13. Only load is radio, no interior fan or A/C, and no cooling fans. It gets even worse with the Headlights on (still with only the radio). One evening I was driving around with headlights on (all other exterior lights are LED's) and it was starting to dip lower than I have ever seen it, maybe 1/16" to 1/8" above 8. No issues with driving and the next time I started the car the volts were right around 13 again. RPM's while driving seem to have little effect. The example above was varied speeds from stopped, to 55-60mph.

Could this be the alternator going out or the gauge not reading properly? Belt tension is pretty good, it could be tighten slightly but there is no squeal.

[David T]

Reviving an old thread.

My main concern is the battery gauge. When I start the car, the gauge is 13 volts maybe a hair more. However, as I drive it starts to dip a bit to a little under 13. Only load is radio, no interior fan or A/C, and no cooling fans. It gets even worse with the Headlights on (still with only the radio). One evening I was driving around with headlights on (all other exterior lights are LED's) and it was starting to dip lower than I have ever seen it, maybe 1/16" to 1/8" above 8. No issues with driving and the next time I started the car the volts were right around 13 again. RPM's while driving seem to have little effect. The example above was varied speeds from stopped, to 55-60mph.

Could this be the alternator going out or the gauge not reading properly? Belt tension is pretty good, it could be tighten slightly but there is no squeal.

Check the belt on the alternator and get it tested.

[Michael]

Reviving an old thread.

My main concern is the battery gauge. When I start the car, the gauge is 13 volts maybe a hair more. However, as I drive it starts to dip a bit to a little under 13. Only load is radio, no interior fan or A/C, and no cooling fans. It gets even worse with the Headlights on (still with only the radio). One evening I was driving around with headlights on (all other exterior lights are LED's) and it was starting to dip lower than I have ever seen it, maybe 1/16" to 1/8" above 8. No issues with driving and the next time I started the car the volts were right around 13 again. RPM's while driving seem to have little effect. The example above was varied speeds from stopped, to 55-60mph.

Could this be the alternator going out or the gauge not reading properly? Belt tension is pretty good, it could be tighten slightly but there is no squeal.

The volt gauge is known to be inaccurate. Check your voltage at the battery with the engine running with a multi meter...compare to what the gauge tells you then you will know.