volt metre

[EnzoMC]

after about 2 hour drive, stopped to fill up. then straight into traffic at which point i notice the volt metre reading dropped to 2nd mark - think thats about 12v, normally this is in the middle 14v

think its could be battery or alternator, any suggestion how to test both ?

also anyone local to MK who knows how the gears changes should feel on a GS ? would like to compare and your opinion on mine when changing in slow moving traffic and when in sport mode...

 

[safrane]

Not local to MK but will be in London with mine next week if you wish to compare.

 

[BennyD]

Put a voltmeter across the terminals when switched off, see what the voltage is and then start the car. The voltage should show an increase when running. Depending on the state of the battery, the charging voltage should top out at about 13.8 volts. If it's not charging, it's the alternator or, IIRC, the rectifier and if it's overcharging it's likely to be the regulator.

 

[EnzoMC]

thanks Peter for the offer, if can't get anyone more local will PM you

Thanks Benny - where is the rectifier / regulator located

 

[BennyD]

It's part of the electronics on the back of the alternator. If any one part goes it's best to get the whole lot done. However, be absolutely sure it is bust because it's a pain to get off; the inlet plenum has to come before you can get at it.

 

[Zep]

Mine seems to flip between 14 volts and 12 volts when running. I was wondering if it was simply charging when it needed to. I did over 100 miles on saturday with at least 10 start ups and the battery is still showing fully charged on my conditioner....

 

[CatmanV2]

after about 2 hour drive, stopped to fill up. then straight into traffic at which point i notice the volt metre reading dropped to 2nd mark - think thats about 12v, normally this is in the middle 14v

think its could be battery or alternator, any suggestion how to test both ?
.

It's far more likely to be the meter unless you have other symptoms. These are conclusively rubbish. Mine has been all over the place for nearly 2 years. Although I think the battery is probably rubbish, it's not got any worse and still the meter wanders like a drunk.

Benny's figures are spot on. You only really need to test the voltage on the battery to set your mind at rest.

C

 

[MAF260]

The meters are notoriously "for general guidance only". IIRC somebody took the instrument binnacle out and tightened the bolts/screws on the back of the gauge which apparently fixed things. I did something similar recently with the Audi's fuel gauge - sorted the erratic readings hopefully for good.

 

[Steve GS]

I'm in watford wouldn't mind meeting up to see what another is like. As mine is the only one I've been in. Would be great if a meet could be sorted out. But I'm busy for the next two weekends so after that if something could be arranged.

 

[conaero]

Steve, first signs if you actually have a charging issue is the car will go flat within a week of no use. Batteries are notoriously sensitive, change the battery first and make sure all the terminals including the piggyback connections are all done up tight and check the earth straps too.

 

[Steve GS]

Don't think my car is going to get a weeks rest just yet. Im addicted to the glorious sound of my v8. And the change down of gears just love it. Is it ok to keep her in sport mode or should I turn it of once in a while.

 

[BennyD]

No mate Superglue the f*cker in! Anyone who doesn't drive it in sport all the time deserves a kick in the slats. BTW, the glorious sound can easily be made even more glorious! Glad you are enjoying her.

 

[hodroyd]

I never take mine out of sport, unless I am visiting a hospital or leaving home very early morning, then it's in stealth mode for a few minutes..!!

 

[Steve GS]

Thanks I'll keep that on then.

 

[CatmanV2]

I didn't know there was an option to sport

C

 

[davy83]

The voltmeter in the car is very poor. If the alternator stops charging all together you also get a charging warning light on the dash. If you measure the battery volts it should be around 12 engine off and should rise when you start it, if it goes up the alternator is charging. it should typically go up to 13-ish it depends a few things. if your battery goes flat in this state then its probably the battery that's dead, these cars do seem to chew up batteries.

 

[Contigo]

3200 workshop manual says this:

 

[EnzoMC]

check and charge on battery looks good and recharge is close to 14v so as you suspected gauge... now how do you removed the clocks ?


also if anyone is local to MK who knows how the gears changes should feel on a GS ? would like you to compare and your opinion on mine when changing in slow moving traffic and when in sport mode...

 

[MAF260]

check and charge on battery looks good and recharge is close to 14v so as you suspected gauge... now how do you removed the clocks ?


also if anyone is local to MK who knows how the gears changes should feel on a GS ? would like you to compare and your opinion on mine when changing in slow moving traffic and when in sport mode...

Link for dashtop and instrument binnacle removal:
http://www.sportsmaserati.com/showthread.php/397-Dashboard-top-Instruments-removal

You're welcome to pop down to mine over the weekend to compare, although I'm not exactly local to MK!

 

[EnzoMC]

thanks Mark for instructions and may take you up on your offer, its just I have a car to do the weekend - will see if I can free up some time and will PM you as soon as poss.