JLRX350

Guys
I am a complete novice when it comes to electronics. Has anyone ever installed a voltmeter on an RX 350? Or, can you direct me to a current thread? I checked and couldn't find any references.:dunno
Thanks in advance
JLRX350

jamodeo

iTrader: (1)

I would be happy to help you do this... Just one question: why? and would you want it to be permanent or do you just want to see the instantaneous voltage at one time?

-Joe

JLRX350

Just needed an instantaneous reading to monitor battery. Mainly a precaution to anticipate problems. I guess it does sound kinda silly

JLRX350

Oh, nevertheless, would like it permanent.

jamodeo

iTrader: (1)

Ever thought of getting a radar detector? I have an escort 8500 x50 and I hardwired it up by the rear view mirror (passenger side) and when not alerting me of police officers with active radars, it shows the currant voltage... The other view modes are kind of pointless and don't really do anything so I like leaving it on that view. Here are some pics of the radar on, car on (not started) and car started. Also I am showing you the location as to where I mounted the hardwire box.

Full size images, go to http://imgur.com/a/i3J9O#8ui9K







-Joe

Rainbird

That is a neat install Joe, did you do the work yourself? How did you route the wiring to that switch position?

jamodeo

iTrader: (1)

I actually brought it to Frys Electronics to get it done... Usually I do electrical stuff by myself but they were only charging like 15$ to install it for me and I figured, what the heck and they actually did an extreemly good job... I can pull it apart and snap some pics to show you how to route it if you would like.

-Joe

JLRX350

Ditto on the install, JAMODEO. That might be the way to go. Thank you for the idea.

jamodeo

iTrader: (1)

No problem, always glad to help... Especially with anything electronic! Ill try and get to that DIY for the radar hopefully sometime soon in the near future.

-Joe

JLRX350

jamodeo......so as long as I have a hot line I can pretty much install anywhere that has a source? How about down around the cigarette lighter to help conceal wires?

jamodeo

iTrader: (1)

That would work, you want to find a fuse that is hot only when the car is running (on) like the cigarette adapter and ground it with a screw somewhere with unpainted metal... I will snap some pics this week to show you where I tapped it.

-Joe

JLRX350

jamedoe..i actually found a voltmeter readout that plugs in to the cigarette receptacle outlet. Is that cool?

jgr7

iTrader: (1)

That will work fine to monitor once the car is started but the outlet will turn off when the ignition circuit is engaged. You will not be able to see the voltage drop from starting current. I too have a radar detector with volts reading and I love it however it won't help on starting voltage issues.
Jeff

jamodeo

iTrader: (1)

I'm not trying to call you out here, but the cigarette outlet DOES come on when the car is set to accessory or "ON" (while the engine is not running) so it will give you the standing voltage of the battery when the cars engine is not running. But when you turn over the engine the voltmeter will probably shut off as the engine is drawing all the power to start and then you will see the voltage from the battery when the car is started. it should range from 12.6 volts with the car off to about 14 volts (can range from 13.5-14.9) on my RX when it is running

-Joe

jgr7

iTrader: (1)

Your right but what i am talking about is the voltage drop when the car is started. This will give you an indication of the battery condition under starting load. If the volts drop to say 7-8 volts during starting it is probably time to start addressing an up coming battery issue. As soon as you start turning over the engine the power to the power outlet is off until the key is back in the run position. When a battery is tested it must have a good sized amp load to check the true condition of the battery. This is what they do when you have your battery tested, they put a heavy load on it an watch the voltage drop. When the lead plates are almost depleted in the battery it won't sustain the heavy load and the volts will drop and your cranking amperage will soon become to low to start your car. This is when winter cold temps really take there toll on older batteries.
No big deal just wasn't sure what the OP was looking for with the volt meter install. like I said I have a radar detector with volts display and love it.
Jeff