bvlenci Posted March 15 Share Posted March 15 I wanted to share an experience I had. I encountered a problem with my car's instrument cluster after my battery went flat. Even after charging the battery overnight, the instrument cluster remained unresponsive, and I was considering replacing it. However, while driving to work, I had a wireless OBD2 device plugged in, which provided me with the dashboard information such as speed and battery voltage. I noticed that as soon as the battery voltage reached 13.3V from 13.2V, the instrument cluster suddenly started working again. I attempted various troubleshooting methods such as replacing fuses, disconnecting the battery, leaving it disconnected overnight, and researching cluster faults on online forums. I had hoped that the battery would regain enough charge to surpass 13.2V while connected to a charger, but unfortunately, this did not occur. This experience serves as a reminder that a failing battery can mimic issues with the SAM or cluster in older waggons. I have ordered a new battery to resolve the situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paqngo Posted March 15 Share Posted March 15 A voltage of 13.3 volts is considered to be somewhat low for a functioning engine, unless it is equipped with a sophisticated 'smart' charging mechanism. Monitor it closely and ensure that it consistently exceeds 14 for a significant portion of the travel. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bvlenci Posted March 15 Author Share Posted March 15 I am sceptical that the device is intelligent. I believe that the battery is simply exhausted. A replacement battery is expected to arrive this evening, and I hope that the device's performance will improve after the new battery is installed. No text provided. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennycarlotta Posted March 15 Share Posted March 15 Even if the battery is dead, the voltage should still be greater while the engine is running. What you are really observing is the charging voltage, not the battery voltage. The minimum charging voltage should be 14 volts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bvlenci Posted March 15 Author Share Posted March 15 Yes, I get your point. Are you suggesting that the alternator is not functioning optimally? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bvlenci Posted March 15 Author Share Posted March 15 Perhaps I own a high-tech charging alternator? I have come across information concerning alternators that exhibit a voltage drop below 13V when the battery's charge level exceeds 80%. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ByteStorm Posted March 15 Share Posted March 15 I believe that your alternator is approaching the end of its functional lifespan. When the engine is operating, the voltage should be about 14V. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paqngo Posted March 15 Share Posted March 15 If the system is intelligent, the voltage range may vary from the high twelves to the low fifteens. This variation depends on the battery's level of charge and the specific activity being performed. Acceleration tends to have a lower voltage, while deceleration results in a greater voltage. The issue lies in the fact that the behaviour of various models and manufacturers will change according to the software driving them. Systems that are not 'smart' are far less complex. The expected reading with the engine running should be between 14.1-14.5. Indeed, a value of 13.3 seems to be too low, indicating a potential malfunction in the alternator or regulator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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