Quote:
Originally Posted by chimpy
I thought that the lighter was able to tell correct voltage. I made the little device that connects to the Fluke meter on one side and lighter on the other.  My alternator is making some noise (the original one) and I will be looking at the output voltage this weekend but the noise sounds like a bearing so the output looks to be a moot point. Any recommendations on a brand of alternator? |
If all the wiring is correct, and there are no poor connections or corroded terminals, yes the cig lighter will show you a reasonably accurate voltage. That being said if you want to actually TEST the voltage, you need to start at the source and work outward. So start at the battery, as has been mentioned. If the battery voltage is good there, but the cig lighter is only showing 6V, then I would look at the connector for the cig lighter to be sure there is no corrosion, or a loose fitting terminal. Then check to be sure you have a proper ground for it. A bad ground will cause a false reading on any type of cig lighter tester.
The CS144 is a good alternative, as Doc mentioned, if you are looking at upgrading. (very good writeup btw) one thought though, and while I see nothing has actually happened, I would recommend getting a larger gauge alternator cable. At full load of 144A, the small 8 gauge charge cable on the 3rd gen is not technically large enough. While it may not ever run at 144A for long enough to overheat the wire, it COULD. At 144A of charge, the recommended gauge cable is 4 gauge. If you look at the 4th Gen 4Runner/2nd Gen Tacoma, that have the factory 130A alternators (Off-road package), they use 4 gauge on the alternator.
