Battery Voltage guage

[teknobod]

I've searched the forums, but haven't found anything on the subject so here goes.

Does anyone know if the voltage guage can be adjusted/calibrated?

When I first bought the car, GT500 mentioned that the reading looked a little low. The car had been fitted with a new alternator and he suggested checking the regulator on the rear. It was a 14V reg, so I replaced this with a new 15V one.

The indicated voltage has gone up but still reads low by about 1-1.5 volts. (I haven't actually measured the voltage on the guage, but don't want to go to the trouble of removing the console unless I know that there's something I can do to adjust the indicated voltage)

Battery is good and has been charged separately.

It doesn't bother me enough to replace the guage but if I can "fix" it, I'd rather have it working correctly.

Cheers

Andy

[johne]

I don't believe the voltage gauge can be calibrated but I think you'll find it does accurately reflect the voltage at it's terminals.

It does read low due to the voltage drops in the loom at the point it's connected to.

If you really want an accurate reading, feed it directly from the battery with it's own pair of wires - via a switch or relay if you want to avoid draining the battery over long periods.

Personal view, why bother. It's the most useless gauge in the car. I've removed mine and used the space for a more useful gauge.

John

[teknobod]

Cheers John.

To be honest, I'm wanting to keep the car pretty much standard, but you're right something like a boost gauge would be far more useful.

Andy

[shark_90]

Cheers John.

To be honest, I'm wanting to keep the car pretty much standard, but you're right something like a boost gauge would be far more useful.

Andy

Not down there it wouldn't! Keep your eyes on the road! 1 quick glance at the oil gauge to make sure we're warmed up and away we go!

[johne]

Steve, just retrieved my old gauge from the workshop and learnt two things.

Against my most accurate digital voltmeter my gauge reads 0.1 volt under

Looking inside the gauge through the panel light hole I can see a small preset (potentiometer) which it would be possible to adjust with a very small right-angle screwdriver. A normal watchmakers screwdriver would do if you were prepared to drill a small hole in the outer plastic casing first. It's only purpose can be to calibrate the gauge but I haven't actually tried it. Hope that helps.

@Shark_90

Best of luck if your oil temp gauge moves enough to tell if the oil is warm

but you are right, even though I do have my boost gauge there, it's only good for an occasional glance or my passenger to read.

John