Hi, would anyone know why the internal voltmeter on my dash shows 14.5v most of the time, especially on startup.. But when I connect my multimeter direct to the battery posts I get a reading of 13.7max,im assuming even 13.7is okayish to top up the battery from the alternator? I'm asking because the car on occasion will hardly turn over to start, even after a decent run with a still hot engine? I have an aux battery in the boot which has an isolator switch to keep batteries seperate if need be but connected or not... Sporadic sluggish turnover, the car can't be trusted to start any more.. Any advice please would be gratefully received. Thanks! 2008 L322 Vogue 3.6 TDV8 in Java Black with parchment and Navy interior. 125000mls.

I used to be indecisive and have a split personality... but we are ok now...I think?

More importantly, what does your meter read with as many electrical items turned on as possible? Blowers, lights, heated screens etc etc

Thanks for responding. Yeah the voltages with a multimeter at the battery terminals reads 13.8/9v.with absolutely everything on it reads 12.6v...the dash voltmeter must be a cheap rubbish innacurate one as it shows 14.4v at startup with nothing switched on...  2008 L322 Vogue 3.6 TDV8 in Java Black with parchment and Navy interior. 125000mls.

I used to be indecisive and have a split personality... but we are ok now...I think?

Also... After 10mins or so the voltage at the battery reduces to 13.2v.. Is this because alternator senses it needn't pump as much voltage as it was doing earlier, or due to a fault? Curiously with the engine off, the voltage on the dash and the voltage measured at the battery match?? 2008 L322 Vogue 3.6 TDV8 in Java Black with parchment and Navy interior. 125000mls.

I used to be indecisive and have a split personality... but we are ok now...I think?

I would be inclined to check your battery connections. Are they both tight? iIf so try removing them and cleaning up both the posts and the internals of the clamps and refit.

I never saw 14.5 on mine.
Mostly 13.6 while driving and 11.5 while starting up.
Voltmeter and car measures almost same. 2010 3.6tdv8 180k km.
sold 06 td6 160k
Sold 03 td6 260k