Voltmeter reads dead center

[Rustyshackelford]

HI,
I just got done searching and I can't find something that strikes me as a similar issue so I figured I would post.

My voltmeter reads dead center most of the time when the engine is running. The rest of the time, it reads in the green right where that little white tick mark is. There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason as to when it reads either location. Both the Gen lights work.
Point me in a direction please.

 

[rsh4364]

Mine reads on the high side of the green,when I check volts on batts.when running they are 14.5 range.These gauges are old.

 

[TXFirefighter]

Put a DVOM meter on it and get a digital reading of what is really going on first.
Those meters are good for general condition but are not precise reading.

 

[KansasBobcat]

I agree these are old gauges. Have the same reading on M998 but all voltages were within range. So check voltage and if ok live with it or order a new gauge which I did and have yet to install.

 

[Rustyshackelford]

14.75 on the rear battery and 12.48 on the front battery when running.

 

[cucvrus]

Are you sure the Gen lights work all the time? They may be loose on the printed circuit board on the back of the cluster. Also check the wires that plug into the top of the voltage regulator on the alternators are they tight and making a good connection? I hope that is sound advise. Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

[Rustyshackelford]

Are you sure the Gen lights work all the time? They may be loose on the printed circuit board on the back of the cluster. Also check the wires that plug into the top of the voltage regulator on the alternators are they tight and making a good connection? I hope that is sound advise. Good luck. Keep us posted.

SON OF A GUN. I know I've seen both the gen lights on but I just went out there and checked again and darned if one wasn't dead. I pulled both bulbs and cleaned the connections and viola!!!!! 14.5V at both batteries and my voltmeter rides right on that little white line in the green area. That made my day I was not looking forward to dealing with an alternator related issue.

 

[cucvrus]

Hot darn I am glad I gave you an incentive to go check the lights. I am glad it was that painless. It always works for me that way. Amazing ain't it?