I have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee SE, power locks and power windows with the gauge cluster that includes the tachometer. When I bought the cherokee the battery voltage gauge was reading about 14 Volts or right around there, shortly after I noticed the gauge was reading at 9 volts, in the red. Even after driving the vehicle and having the charger hooked up for days. I checked the voltage at the battery with a multimeter and it said about 14.3 volts. The battery that is in the car is about 5 years old when it’s only a 4 year battery. Could a bad battery cause this issue? Or maybe a bad ground or something, it is also confirmed that the gauge does work, just never goes up to 14 Volts anymore. ANY Information would help. Thanks so much!!

 

If you have 14V at the terminal with engine, sounds like alternator is ok

Your battery should hold a charge over 12.5V for at least 24hrs

many earths are located on RH engine block, 2 studs, always worth cleaning well

I believe their is an Earth for the instrument panel inside too

Could be a faulty guage

The '95 FSM applies to the relevant electrics, you should download it and peruse chapter 8, including "Instruments" and "earth locations"

 

Just to be clear, what does the gage show while driving? I know you said 9v but want to be sure of voltage while driving and voltage say next day sitting over night.
Also been my experience that batteries these days don't last to much over their warranty...say 5 year battery I usually get 5 years and maybe 3 months more out of it I would get battery tested.

 

I agree that 5years a battery should usually be replaced as standard maintenance, but they almost always give some early warning signs, most prominent being slightly slow cranking. If they develop a metal fatigue inside though, death spiral will be very quick

 

As AWG implied, to check battery condition you want to measure the no load voltage (ignition off) after setting at least 12 hours after being fully charged.The voltage at the battery should be around 12.7 for a new battery that is 100% charged. An 80% charged battery would be around 12.5 volts. Voltage will differ slightly with battery technology As the battery ages and degrades the voltage will fall. Checking grounds as recommended by others is good advice.

 

I'm thinking he is getting his early warning sign...not holding charge.I would replace the battery anyway for a piece of mind even if it was something esle.

 

agree on replacement, but he probably wants to do a quick parasitic current draw test first, to see if something is draining the battery, and that something could point to any other faults

 

Maybe a ground, but could also be a hot. Clean the terminal to the alternator (mind did the same thing).

AAMOF, clean EVERY terminal.

 

OTOH, that might be pushing it a little, especially if you're in a cold clime.

Regardless, clean every connector you can find.

As well as the ones you can't find.