For a while my volt meter was reading very low for usually the first 15 minutes of my drive to and from work. I did some work on the battery terminals (negative wasn't tight) and replaced my battery to starter cable. After this, the guage read higher then ever before but I still notice that it takes a long time to read in the highest part of the guage. Also, if I turn off my lights (daytime driving of course), the guage jumps up almost 1 volt.

So, my volt meter after starting the car, usually reads I would guess, 12 to 13 v. After driving for maybe 10 minutes it goes to about 14 v and if I turn the lights off it goes to maybe even 15 v.

Overal, I was thinking that my alternator isn't likely doing the best job it could at charging the batter and the battery is likely a bit old and not accepting a charge that well. I figure after 5 minutes at the most, the battery should be charged again because my car starts immediately all the time.

Does anyone else's volt meter read like this or should I start investigating whether I have a problem. For reference, I have an 88 745T.

Thanks

My 89 740 GL ( Yes I have the Volvo Addition In My Dash ) always reads alittle low, once you get going and throw some voltage into the system it perks right up there, once you get going you could have every electrical item on and it would read 11.5 to 12 volts and considering the venting system lights and all that stuff thats pretty dang good.

I wouldn't worry about it. My '87 765 Turbo did exactly the same. It is a correct reading, as most of the alternator power goes into charging the battery when first started. As the battery takes less and less current, more power can go to the car electrics. If you check your battery reading at the same time with a multimeter, it should read 13 - 14 volts, which indicates the alternator is functioning correctly.