Voltage meter reading 13 with ignition on, 16 while engine is running?

[ddgsxr504]

So since most older cars don't come with a voltmeter or oil pressure gauge I put them on my S14 about 6 years ago. Autometer, they work great and nicely accent the interior.

For some reason for the past month or so the voltmeter reads 13v with the ignition turned to the "ON" position. While the car is running the gauge reads close to 16v.

I used a test meter on the battery (Optima Red Top, which is like 7 years old BTW) and it reads 12.2/12.4, which to me is normal for a battery.

I'm guessing the voltage regulator on the alternator is going bad? Should I be concerned?

Suggestions?

[theother1wstolen]

if your gauge in teh car is reading higher than the multimeter at the battery, im guessing your gauge is whacked.

[Vegascorbin]

What matters idthe voltage at the battery while the car is running. If it is over 15 then you have a problem. IF the battery voltage is ok but the meter shows higher then either the gauge is bad or a connection is bad. Most likely meter bad.

[ddgsxr504]

What matters idthe voltage at the battery while the car is running. If it is over 15 then you have a problem. IF the battery voltage is ok but the meter shows higher then either the gauge is bad or a connection is bad. Most likely meter bad.

I'll check the battery with engine running today after work and let you know.

[ddgsxr504]

***UPDATE***

So I checked the voltage of the battery while the engine is running with a "FLUKE" test meter on VDC mode and it reads 14.08v.

So I'm guessing that means the charging system is fine but my gauge is FUBAR? Oh well. I was going to replace them anyway with the new Ultralite 2's cause I like the needles better and I want to ditch my indiglo setup.