This morning when I got in my truck I noticed the gauge was a little higher than before. I checked it with a multi-meter and it read 14.75 with it running. The gauge is not to the red mark but do you think there is something to worry about or should i just let it go? It usually is on the high side but seemed higher today.

 

I'm not sure what the nominal charge voltage is from a ford alternator but I think between 13 and 15 volts is reasonable.

 

This is the factory alternator from '93 so Im just waiting for it to go out. I dont know what its supposed to charge at either thats why I posted.

 

Check and make sure the Battery is holding the proper charge. It may have a cell going bad.

 

I replaced the battery last month but just because its new doesent mean anything I'll check it.

 

I've noticed the same thing on my '92 Ranger V6. The gauge on the instrument panel always shows it's higher than 12 volts so I checked the battery with a multimeter also and it came back as 14.30 volts. I've had this truck since new and have not had any charging problems with it except a few years ago I replaced the alternator with a rebuilt one because the gauge was showing a "flickering" of the needle when idling. Since changing it out that problem has gone away so it's obvious the alternator was dying, but the 14.++ charging volts seem to be the norm on these systems.

 

I found out the safe range was 13 to 15 volts so I am just going to watch it.