Power Socket (lighter) Plug-In Voltmeter
 

I am having issues with an erratic tach. A search indicates that it could be caused by a loose wire, bad tach of voltage regulator/alternator issues.

So, I thought I'd start by checking the voltage being put by the alternator with integrated regulator. And I found this cigarette lighter plug-in digital voltage regulator on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Vector-VEC008-Digital-Voltmeter-Volt/dp/B0002ISEQW

It shows:
- Measures Voltage Output on Running Vehicle
- Plugs Directly Into Vehicles Power Socket
- No Battery Required
- Designed for All VehiclesReads from 0 - 24 Volts
- High/Med/Low Voltage Indicator Lights Show the Battery's Overall Condition

Plus its only $12.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Why not just get a decent Multimeter?

Also, either my cheap inflater or the Porsche Cigar lighter socket is non standard.

Sergio,

You can buy a good Fluke 77 on ebay for about $75.

Great for around the house, and around the car.

We have one.

Good luck,

Gerry

Probably your lighter socket is non-standard. The hole is too big, right? I got a little plastic adapter piece so that I could plug in my hair dryer, beer fridge and uber-wattage hand held light for night time squirrel hunting exploits. And of course, for my radar detector until I have a power cord hard wired...

I have the vector and am pretty happy with it. Just remember that the socket size for the 911 is larger. I ordered the european adapter for proper fit.

http://www.escortradar.com/store/european-adapter.html

I have a multimeter, but when your by yourself, this is pretty handy.

eric

I cut a piece of cardboard as filler, then taped it onto the non-grounded section of the plug of my navigation unit for a more snug fit. The adapter no longer falls out. This system works on all non-Porsche cig. lighter adapters and non-concours events.

Sherwood

I bought a Fluke years ago at an electrics swap meet (yeah they got them for other things besides Porsches) plus a cheapy HF meter to carry in the car and the plastic ring thingy for the lighter socket. I also have a small VDO 914/944 voltage gauge that I was going to mount under the dash (one of these days).

I wanted the plug meter so that I could easily read the voltage while driving the car. My tach is acting up intermittently. Works fine sometimes and at others what it reads has no correlation to the engine's rpm. So it could be a loose/corroded wore (easy fix), a bad tach (send it to NH) or the alternators with integrated VR (pull it from the car and have it rebuilt). I'm hoping the meter will indicate which to do.

I just got a kick out of how cheap these plug in one have gotten. Years ago, I spent more at RatShack (Oops, it;s now just "The Shack") for a plug in the had just three lights (green/yellow/red) to indicate the condition of the battery. This new one has that plus ("But wait, there's more!"), a digital read out of the voltage.

And I don't have to pay for shipping if I bump my Amazon order up to $25? Is that right? Well, lets throw in a book I've been wanting.

Easier to catch the LEDs out of the corner of your eye than driving around with a meter. I may get one also. I just went nuts with my GPS, thinking it was defective, but I think it may be an intermittent connection on the socket, as it works fine in another vehicle/another socket.

FWIW, I bought an adapter from Radio Shack that plugs into the cigarette/power port and has two screw fittings on it to which I can attach the probes from my voltmeter. I also use it to put 12 volts INTO the system when, for example, I'm changing the battery and don't want to lose my radio presets.

It works well, and I think cost less than $10.

Scott

connect a data logger and log voltages at various points in the wiring as you:

start the car on a winter day
same for summer day
run it around town
run it with headlights on bright

and then let it sit for 2-3 weeks - both summer & winter

that should be a good start

Where can I get a data logger for $14?

Have you a radar/laser detector that can provide voltage readouts? That's what I do with my Passport.

Best,

Doyle

Doyle, great suggestion.

I've got a Valentine1. Does anyone know if it provide voltage readouts?