1988 C1500 Voltmeter

[zenahs]

I've got a 1988 c1500 Ex Cab with the 350. For some reason the dash voltmeter has been reading low for the last couple of weeks (around 11 volts). It occasionally bumps up to around 14 volts...but it usually reads low. I suspected that it was a problem with the alternator so I took it back since it was still under warranty (I bought it 2 years ago). However the problem still exists. The starter was replaced last year and new cables were installed. Also, the battery is brand new (about 3 months old). So I'm out of ideas...what could be causing this low voltage reading? I tested both the alternator output and the battery voltage. Both read about 14.4 volts which I think rules out a problem with the cable from the alternator to the battery. How can I be certain it's just the gauge? Is there a way to test it?

[Black Bart]

I'm not sure that you have a distribution panel like my 94, but , I had the same problem and found it

to be a loose connection, Check to see if you have a plastic cover on the firewall over the a/c dryer

on the pass side under the hood. If you do take it off and make sure the connections are tight.