Here is my latest issue, just started today as I was driving home:

When the truck is idling and at rest (in park) the power gauge runs normal, when I accelerate or rev the engine to between 1700 and 2000 rpm's, the power gauge spikes and the "Check Gauges" light comes on...This is telling me that something is hogging alot of power and killing my battery at the same time, either that or its not feeding the battery...or the battery is shot (bad cell etc.) and/or there is a short in the battery...it is a little old and cheap at that...

Battery is registering 12 volts DC, newer alternator, having trouble thinking of what the issue could be short of removing the alternator and the battery to have them checked, then possibly having the whole truck put on a diagnostic machine...

Why is this happening to me??

 

A fully charged battery should read mid to high 12V such as 12.84 as an example. If it is lower than 12.5 (I think) then you should replace the battery. Do you know how long the battery has been in your jeep? If not, I would recommend installing a new one. Typical life of a battery is 3-5years, sometime they last longer or shorter.

While running, it should show something at least in the high 13V range if not 14V

 

the gauge shows around 14V, the meter shows about 12.5V...

Whats getting me is why the gauge shoots up only when the engine is revved or at driving speeds (35-70 MPH)

 

I had a honda that spiked to 14 and at night the head lights would get real bright at the time of the spike and eventually blew out my head lights and driving lights and fried my battery

 

Clean all of your connections and inspect the wires and ground. you may also want to check the water level in your battery.

 

cleaned the terminals, checked water level and did another test on it...reading 11.5V now, heading to the store to spend the big money on a new Optima...

thanks...

 

My spikes were caused by a faulty alternator. Have you replaced yours lately?

 

yes he has read the first post

 

aren't jeep fun..?????

 

Take the battery and alternator to Autozone and have them checked. They do it for free. Also, clean up all of your connections and trace out your battery cable and inspect them clear to their other ends.