In Dash Voltmeter Perfect Fit

[tazoutaw]

Question how to solve the problem??? am also having voltage problems, after installing the HID light, i can only get one to work, sometime they both come on, we have tried running wires to battery, two relays, 30 amp fuse, I would told it the voltage is to low. ??

[Petros]

there is a thread about installing HID lights, using heavy duty wires from the headlights to a power source, and using the old wires to and switch to operate a relay. it had a wire diagram and list of part numbers needed.

I have not had a problem with my switch over to composite lights, but I am not using high intensity bulbs either. Some have had the wires to the head lights melt, and using separate heavy gauge wire with a relay solves that problem. I kind of doubt you are drawing more power than the alternator can put out at higher RPMs, but if you are than you might need a larger alternator. There are several different alternators that came in the TErcel with different outputs, they can be interchanged with a change in the mount and connectors. Or adapt a powerful one from something else, though with a 1.5 L engine it might take noticeable amounts of power from the engine.

[mrdance123]

The only way to get accurate voltage reading is to connect the voltmeter directly to the battery with a dedicated wire. All fuse-box circuits are affected and fuse-box voltage drops due to any other loads including ignition. The voltage loss occurs in the wiring between the fuse box and the battery.

As a side note, I have added a heavy gauge bypass wire directly from the alternator post to the battery positive with an inline 50amp fuse. This greatly improves battery recharge time, especially at night with lights on, voltage on battery rises about 0.3 volts instantly with this bypass in place. Because the voltage regulator is inside the alternator in most tercels, this 0.3 voltage loss tells the regulator to slow down charging too soon since the voltage inside the alternator is 0.3v higher than at the battery. It is not either on or off, the charge rate tapers down gradually as voltage rises, around 40 to 50 amps with a nearly dead battery, down to < 5 amps when fully charged.

[mrdance123]

Here is another voltmeter, this one also reads amps:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301226800899?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

Temperature gauge, same size and shape: use it for engine temp, outside, or inside car temperature, or anything else.
I taped the sensor to the head outlet tube to the radiator, wrapped with electrical tape, it's nice! reads in the 170's warmed up.
Runs on 5volts DC, insert a resistor in the positive power lead to drop the voltage from 13, about 500-600 ohms.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131346065742?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

[jimcrazy]

after 1o weeks my voltmeter came not bad for $1.85 shipping included, went with the green to match all the other green dash lights ,put another layer of green film over it so not so bright

[BaileySims]

Best $3.50 I've ever spent. I had to buy one for my honda. I'm glad I did too. I was driving around for work the other day and noticed the reading sat at 12.1 volts. I pulled over and opened the hood and to my surprise the alternator plug and attachment fell out of the alternator. Noting a bit of glue didn't fix. That device definitely dabs l saved my buns.

[dlb]

simon84 told me about volt meters that plug into the cigarette lighter in cars.



seems like a great idea for those not ready to commit to a full-time gauge so i thought i would mention it here. here's a link to an ebay listing. at $2 and free shipping, it seems hard to go wrong.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-Auto-LED-Cig ... 4d2a8dd74a

[marlinh]

Kind of cool if you wanted to check what your alternator is putting out. Quicker than going to find your voltmeter and you don't need to pop the hood.

[BaileySims]

Anyone with one of these ever get this message? I know something weird was going on but I don't know exactly what.