I no longer trust my voltage gauge!

[moviewithnotitle]

We all have talked about the voltage gauge issues in the OBS trucks. Lots of things you can do to ensure the power is going to the right places, and I have done all of these. But i still have huge variations on the stick gauge.

Has anyone added an aftermarket volt gauge and see a difference in the dash reading versus the aftermarket?

I am seriously contemplating this addition just for some better piece of mind.

 

[alanb]

My volt gauge does the same it can read 9v or 13v, but it always starts so I don't worry about it, trying using a DVM direct to the battery when the engine is ticking over to get an accurate volt ready should be around 13v.

 

[moviewithnotitle]

She reads great on the DVM, both off and at idle. It's just that I would REALLY like to get this accurate information while I am in the Cab driving.

I think I am going to order a matching Excel Voltage gauge to my Tranny temp gauge and get them installed. I hate not having accurate information.

 

[Done Deal DR]

My volt gauge is so terrible, I'd hardly even call is a gauge as it doesn't properly gauge anything. Like yours, mine is usually around 9, even after a brand new high quality ($200+) battery. I needed the battery anyways, but it was at that time I knew the gauge was done. From time to time, for no apparent reason, it reads between 12-14...but that is unusual.

If I ever put a new 6.0 or 6.2 in, I'm taking the entire gauge cluster and replacing it with quality aftermarket gauges. It may cost upwards of $800 for everything I'd want... but it would be worth it for the peace of mind. All of the factory gauges are terrible. My speedometer bounces around in ordinary driving, drives me nuts!

 

[moviewithnotitle]

Got volt gauge today from Summit today. hopefully will get time this weekend to install, if not next weekend. Aslo bought Ujoints and will have to plan for this install.

 

[moviewithnotitle]

Got the volt gauge installed, as well as my tranny temp gauge. tranny gauge is not hooked up yet, but the volt gauge is, and works spot on as expected.

I did some basic test with it and the dash gauge is horrible (not that i didnt know this already). Headlights ,on Hi, fan at max, re3verse light on and aux fog lights on and the gauge only fell below 14 a hair, the dash gauge was reading around 12 and dipping. Im sold!

I did the overhead console mount approach to keep things clean in the dash and A pillar area. Heres some pics.