Is this Ford E150 charging?

[sixto]

Since we've had this '93 E150 5.8 the voltage displayed in the gauge cluster shows low. This is a picture from this weekend after about a half hour driving with AC on full -



Turning off AC, compressor and fan, moves the indicator about an needle's width. When the van is first started it'll indicate to R or M then over the course of the trip drop to O then N. So far it hasn't gone beyond N. It cranks with enthusiasm hot or cold. The headlights don't dim much at idle or get significantly brighter with revs.

I've yet to take a proper volt meter to it (I know, I know...). All but the last couple thousand miles were racked up in Boise and SLC so there might be a bad ground somewhere.

Thanks,
Sixto
87 300D

[P.C.]

If the gauge is accurate and linear in gradation, you are well south of 13 volts, and likely south of 12 volts. As this is a 20-year-old Ford with presumably a 20-year-old instrument cluster, get a voltimeter.

[compu_85]

Keep in mind that might not actually be a gauge, but a "mechanical idiot light" that only shows extremes. The oil pressure "gauge" on that car is probably like that.

Verify with a volt meter.

-J

[engatwork]

How old is the battery?

When it gets out of "normal" will be when it quits cranking.

It cranks with enthusiasm hot or cold.

I would not worry too much about it. Get some black electrical tape and put it over the gauge if it bothers you.

[MS Fowler]

As long as the gauge indicates "normal", it should be charging.
But you already know the correct answer is to put a proper volt meter on it. If Ford intended the driver to interpolate to know the voltage, they would have put numbers on the gauge.

[The Clk Man]

E-150?

[P.C.]

Originally Posted by The Clk Man

E-150?

Econoline Van.

[The Clk Man]

Originally Posted by P.C.

Econoline Van.

Cool, I didn't know that.

[Air&Road]

Just put a DC Voltmeter across the battery. If with the engine running you measure about 13.5 to 14.5, forget about it and be happy.

Hope this helps.