924Board.org

berenlotr · Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 71 Location: Western MA

hey guys i am having some electrical problems with my 924 surprise surprise. umm when i turn her over the starter doesn't turn at all and the volt gauge reads about ten vols but when i hook a multimeter to the battery i am getting 12.4, so i guess my question is whether a fault in the volt gauge circuit such as a ground could keep the starter from turning over much like a bad bulb for the alternator light can cause it to not charge. any ideas guys
_________________
1979 924 N/A

Smoothie · Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 2:24 am Post subject:

Reading with a regular voltmeter/multimeter doesn't tell you the whole story about a battery. They need to be tested under load. Automotive battery testers do this by adding a substantial resistance to the test circuit - but you accidentally accomplished the same thing by reading the meter while engaging the starter. -So your battery actually tests at 10v. Ignore the 12.4v reading.
No, a problem with the volt gauge shouldn't be a show stopper for the starter. For that to happen, the voltmeter would have to be wired in series with the power to the starter with all starter current running through it, but it isn't wired that way.
Your problem might be as simple as oxidized battery posts, so starting with what's easiest, clean those connections, then suspect/check for bad/weak battery (try charging and see if it holds the charge), then check the other wiring connections at the alternator and starter.
_________________
"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

berenlotr · Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 71 Location: Western MA

hmm did not know that, thx for the help smoothie i am going to start with the connections and work my way down
_________________
1979 924 N/A