Monitoring Alternator Output

[Trav]

That was common thinking back in the day but battery voltage changes quickly with load. The voltmeter is a "light" and safe load on the electric system and more than good enough. Seeing a 70 Chevy pick up burn down because of one scared me enough to leave them alone.
True it will not tell you the exact amperage coming out of the alternator but amp meters can be dangerous.

https://www.americanautowire.com/ammeter-bad-voltmeter-good/

 

[Ifixyawata]

Originally Posted by JMJNet


Car should have a battery logo that light up when the voltage goes below a certain threshold.
Unfortunately, it will not show if the problem is the battery 99% of the time, alternator 1% of the time.
That is why they only measure the battery and the alternator as secondary.




Through all the difficulties and non-charging issues, my 'Battery' light never once illuminated.