Fluctuating volt gauge? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

2012-2SS · 05-24-2012, 02:29 PM

So I have noticed that my volt gauge sometimes reads a hair over 12 volts and sometimes up more like 13.5ish volts. While the gauge was reading low I popped the hood and put a volt meter on the battery cable terminal and read 13.9v. Then I tried it again when the gauge read higher and still got 13.9v. Anyone else notice the volt gauge inconsistancies? There's no rhym or reason to it as electrical load doesn't matter for whether it reads higher or lower.

Chevrolet Customer Svc · 05-24-2012, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2012-2SS

So I have noticed that my volt gauge sometimes reads a hair over 12 volts and sometimes up more like 13.5ish volts. While the gauge was reading low I popped the hood and put a volt meter on the battery cable terminal and read 13.9v. Then I tried it again when the gauge read higher and still got 13.9v. Anyone else notice the volt gauge inconsistancies? There's no rhym or reason to it as electrical load doesn't matter for whether it reads higher or lower.

I do apologize for your frustration. The most effective thing to do is to get the vehicle to your local dealership for diagnosis. From there they should be able to address your concern. Once diagnosed, they also should run your VIN for any applicable warranties. It is hard to say what exactly is going on without a proper diagnosis. I hope this information was helpful.

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

chromepusher · 07-02-2012, 02:02 AM

I just this past week noticed the exact same situation with my 2010 SS RS. I checked the battery and charging system and did not find any problems. It's going in to the dealership on Wednesday for an oil pan gasket and drivers outside mirror glass replacement. I'll add this to the list.

2012-2SS · 07-02-2012, 10:29 PM

Mine is going in for clutch problems and I'm going to have them look at it too.

caligrown562 · 07-02-2012, 11:34 PM

what's wrong with your clutch? I am having issues with mine also and wanna know if there the same...

2012-2SS · 07-03-2012, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caligrown562

what's wrong with your clutch? I am having issues with mine also and wanna know if there the same...

The pedal stuck on me and burned up the clutch pretty bad. Dealer is replacing clutch and installing a new pedal assembly to supposedly fix the problem. Do a search, there's endless threads on it.

Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2

caligrown562 · 07-03-2012, 01:41 AM

my pedal hasn't stuck on me yet but have been getting a ton of noise and my car feels sluggish like the clutch is slipping on me...it just doesn't feel the same like when it was new

Chevrolet Customer Svc · 07-03-2012, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chromepusher

I just this past week noticed the exact same situation with my 2010 SS RS. I checked the battery and charging system and did not find any problems. It's going in to the dealership on Wednesday for an oil pan gasket and drivers outside mirror glass replacement. I'll add this to the list.

Please let us know how your trip to the dealership goes and if they were able to diagnose the concerns you have been having. I look forward to your updates!

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

chromepusher · 07-08-2012, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevrolet Customer Svc

Please let us know how your trip to the dealership goes and if they were able to diagnose the concerns you have been having. I look forward to your updates!

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

GM Tech checked the gauge and told me this is normal behavior. Charging rates are controlled by the ECM and vary depending on load. I.e. AC on, headlights, etc. I'm happy with the answer and not concerned that there is a problem.

2012-2SS · 07-08-2012, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chromepusher

GM Tech checked the gauge and told me this is normal behavior. Charging rates are controlled by the ECM and vary depending on load. I.e. AC on, headlights, etc. I'm happy with the answer and not concerned that there is a problem.

Good to hear, I didn't think there was a problem but interesting how ecm controls the charging. I guess I'm just used to older style alternators where you can readily see voltage drop as you turn things on and off. My car will be at the dealer Monday anyway so I'll confirm with one of their techs.

Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2

ChrisBlair · 07-08-2012, 04:57 PM

Saw this the day I got my 1SS. Manual mentions that fluctuations between high and low range are normal, but the manual also should mention that the ECM dictates the voltage and the fluctuation depending on load. This is one of those times an idiot light would have been better than a gauge, since the gauge creates needless owner worry due to lack of info in the manual. Actually the old skool 'GEN' idiot light told the driver a fair bit of info, depending on how bright the light was, when it was on, etc; thing is that most owners never knew it. But I digress

This ECM stuff sure beats the days of voltage regulators overcharging batteries, eh?

05-24-2012, 02:29 PM	#1
2012-2SS Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 678	Fluctuating volt gauge? So I have noticed that my volt gauge sometimes reads a hair over 12 volts and sometimes up more like 13.5ish volts. While the gauge was reading low I popped the hood and put a volt meter on the battery cable terminal and read 13.9v. Then I tried it again when the gauge read higher and still got 13.9v. Anyone else notice the volt gauge inconsistancies? There's no rhym or reason to it as electrical load doesn't matter for whether it reads higher or lower. __________________ 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS, Hurst Short Throw, IdealG M/C, Pypes Pipe Bomb, LSR Cold Air Intake, LSR Toe Links/Lower Control Arms Clear Image headers, high flows, Slowhawk tune 1974 Chevy K10 Built 355, FAST EZ EFI, 5speed 2000 Chevy Tahoe LT 5.3L, Slowhawk tune

07-02-2012, 10:29 PM	#4
2012-2SS Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 678	Mine is going in for clutch problems and I'm going to have them look at it too. __________________ 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS, Hurst Short Throw, IdealG M/C, Pypes Pipe Bomb, LSR Cold Air Intake, LSR Toe Links/Lower Control Arms Clear Image headers, high flows, Slowhawk tune 1974 Chevy K10 Built 355, FAST EZ EFI, 5speed 2000 Chevy Tahoe LT 5.3L, Slowhawk tune

07-08-2012, 04:57 PM	#11
ChrisBlair Buick 455 Fan Drives: 1970 Buick, 2012 1SS LS3 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Boston MA Posts: 5,957	Saw this the day I got my 1SS. Manual mentions that fluctuations between high and low range are normal, but the manual also should mention that the ECM dictates the voltage and the fluctuation depending on load. This is one of those times an idiot light would have been better than a gauge, since the gauge creates needless owner worry due to lack of info in the manual. Actually the old skool 'GEN' idiot light told the driver a fair bit of info, depending on how bright the light was, when it was on, etc; thing is that most owners never knew it. But I digress This ECM stuff sure beats the days of voltage regulators overcharging batteries, eh? __________________

07-02-2012, 02:02 AM	#3
chromepusher Drives: 2010 RS/SS B on B Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: British Columbia Posts: 22	I just this past week noticed the exact same situation with my 2010 SS RS. I checked the battery and charging system and did not find any problems. It's going in to the dealership on Wednesday for an oil pan gasket and drivers outside mirror glass replacement. I'll add this to the list.

07-02-2012, 11:34 PM	#5
caligrown562 Drives: 2012 1SS Join Date: May 2011 Location: so cal Posts: 318	what's wrong with your clutch? I am having issues with mine also and wanna know if there the same...

07-03-2012, 01:41 AM	#7
caligrown562 Drives: 2012 1SS Join Date: May 2011 Location: so cal Posts: 318	my pedal hasn't stuck on me yet but have been getting a ton of noise and my car feels sluggish like the clutch is slipping on me...it just doesn't feel the same like when it was new