Fluctuating voltmeter and a dead battery

[Tavi]

While driving. My voltmeter jumps up to 15-16 volts. Battery light comes on. This has been happening on and off for a few weeks. I didn't pay to much attention as it didn't really cause much of a problem. However, today my battery is completely dead. It would take take a few minutes to jump. But would stay running. Cleaned terminals and volts only went up to 14-15 and battery light would flicker. At first I figured it was a dead cell in the battery. As after every jump, when I turned off the truck. Checking the voltage it would read 10 or less. However after cleaning the terminals it stayed at 13, and was willing to kick over just a little more than before. It was a short trip. So I feel the battery got just a little charge. I have it on a charger now. Hoping to solve this problem as inexpensive as possible. As it's my daily for right now. And funds are to low to really by a replacement part. Ive heard grounds could be a possible problem. So I will check them as soon as possible.
Thanks for any advice.

 

[Blakestuhh]

I would also like to know more about the volt meter. When I start my truck mine isn't even visible. I know my battery is good seeing as its only maybe two months old. What make the gauge do that?

 

[Tavi]

I always assumed it was just the gauge. Because no problems ever occurred from it. But now I'm sure it's causing a problem. A friend gave me a new battery. So I'm going to install that and see what happens. Hoping it solves my problems. Grounds look good. So, I'll just have to see.

 

[Tavi]

Didn't notice this until after I pulled it out. Still having fluctuation with the new battery. But at least its working. I'm starting to assume I have multiple issues.

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[slap]

I would look into replacing that lead, I would guess you find the other end of that cable dirty as well. Sounds similar to issues I had, I had a dirty negative lead where it grounds near the bottom of the engine compartment.