Check Gauge LightYesterday the CGL came on and the Voltmeter was at 9. Had to make a stop and the starter clicked and it wouldn't start. I had no tools or meters but the place I was at had a charger. Forty five minutes later I was charged and on my way. (The + terminal was embarrassingly cruddy). Got home put the charger on over night..........cleaned the terminal put it away for the night. Went out this morning for a spin.....took about 15 minutes and the gauge dropped from 14...12 ...9. Got home and started checking things. Battery voltage 12.89 engine off. Started it up gauge read just under 14. meter on the battery 13.89. AC and headlights on; meter on battery 13.4, gauge just under 14. 8 minutes on the road it dropped to 9.
Engine on 1800RPM Engine off
Battery + to Battery - 13.9 12.8
Battery to Frame 13.6 12.8
Battery to Block 13.7 12.8
PDC to Frame 13.6 12.8
PDC to Battery - 13.7 12.8

All the other gauges read normal.
I'm leaning toward a heat issue in the computer. I no longer have access to large quantities of freeze spray. I have a can of freon for the A/C, it is the new kind. I understand it is a bit hazardous, I also have a 20# can of propane for the grille. I hesitant to use that as I might have a spark at an in opportune moment.

I'm open to any and all suggestions
thanks in advance

Jim W

 

I would have my battery load tested. Batteries can act charged up (surface charge) and be bad. Or you can have a bad cell and as soon as a load is on it it will start dropping voltage. If it was fully charged at 12.89 I would suspect the battery.

 

With the battery fully charged, engine off, turn on the headlights. With a meter on the battery, what voltage do you have after 5 minutes with the headlights on? This is a quick shadetree battery load test.