the voltage drops when you put the a/c on, why would it do that? also on a hot day the voltage will be a little lower than 14 and on really cold days the voltage will be as high as 15.5 to 16 volts on the dash gauge. anyone have this issue before? and what was the problem?

 

How much of a drop? You're going to get a slight drop from the fan coming on, ac clutch, relays, etc energizing.

I've never had my voltmeter show higher than 14v. And that's with a new battery and new alternator. I would think the voltage regulator would kick in before the system voltage got to 15-16. Seems pretty high. It's only a 12v system.

 

i get about a 1.5 to 2 volt drop on a hot day reading the dash gauge with the a/c on. other cars always stay at 14 on the dash gauge....