* Battery Voltage: A fully charged 12-volt car battery will typically show around 12.6 volts when not in use. However, it's normal for the voltage to slightly drop to 12.4 volts or even lower when the engine is off.
* Cranking Voltage: When you start your truck, the starter motor draws a huge amount of current from the battery. This causes a voltage drop, and you might see a reading as low as 10 volts.
Why your 14.4 volts reading might be confusing:
* Charging Voltage: While a 14.4 volt reading is common when your truck is running, that's not the battery's voltage. The alternator is charging the battery at that voltage.
* Meter Issues: It's possible your battery meter is giving you a faulty reading.
Here's the real problem:
* A 14.4 volt reading on your battery while your truck is running indicates your alternator is working correctly. However, that doesn't mean your battery is healthy. You need to test the battery's ability to deliver current (cold cranking amps) to determine its true health.
* If your truck won't start with 14.4 volts at the alternator, it's likely a problem with the starter motor, wiring, or a faulty battery.
What to do:
1. Test your battery: Use a battery load tester or take it to an auto parts store for a free test. This will give you a clear picture of your battery's health.
2. Check the starter motor: If the battery is good, inspect the starter motor and its connections.
3. Examine the wiring: Look for loose or corroded connections in the battery terminals, starter motor wires, and any other wiring involved in the starting system.
Remember, a weak battery can still show a high voltage when charging but may not have enough power to crank the engine. Always have your battery tested if you're experiencing starting problems.
