Not getting the full 12 volts
Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 18:09
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107315
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Member - ironJosh
Hey guy's. I was wiring up a reverse camera into the reverse lights a few weeks ago and decided to
test it with a multimeter. It was only getting 10 volts. The camera runs off it fine but the problem is that my wipers are really slow as are the power windows. I wonder if they are having the same issue?
Its a new battery so Its got me wondering why this could be happening?
Josh
Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 18:43
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 18:43
Josh,
You haven't mentioned how you have wired the camera and monitor up but the only wire that should be connected to the reversing lights is the trigger wire that turns the camera on when reverse is selected.
The wiring in modern vehicles are quite small diameter and not rated to take a heavier current draw.
The power for the monitor should be connected to an accessory circuit rated at 10 amps or so and be preferably connected at the fuse terminal strip. Piggy back fuse holders enable you to "add a circuit" to an existing one with its own fuse. This is much better than using displacement style connectors (eg. Scotch lock) to join into the normal vehicle wiring.
In most cases a scotch lock is probably required to connect into the reversing light cable but they are notorious for poor connections.
AnswerID:
530701
Follow Up By: Member - ironJosh - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 18:45
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 18:45
Hi Sandman, thanks mate. I tested it at 10 volts before I connected the camera and the wipers & window winder motors have been slow since I got it.
Cheers
FollowupID:
813640
Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 18:56
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 18:56
Ah,
A simple process then is to
check the battery terminal connections to ensure you have a sound contact.
Failing this you may need a Dealer or Auto Electrician to
check the problem out.
As has already been mentioned, a battery reseller can load
test the battery to confirm it is not the cause, but my guess is something is not right somewhere else if both the wipers and power windows are not working properly, especially if they are on different circuits.
FollowupID:
813641
Reply By: Echucan Bob - Thursday, Apr 17, 2014 at 08:58
Thursday, Apr 17, 2014 at 08:58
Josh
If there is a difference between the voltage at the battery terminal and the voltage down the back, even when there is no load applied, suggests that there is a connection that has started to act like a resistor, or the main 12V wire has become resistive due to corrosion etc
Your truck is 20 yrs old (and it has been driven in the ocean, judging by your
pic) so that is hardly surprising.
Using your multimeter, start measuring voltages along the wire until you isolate the problem.
Bob
AnswerID:
530733