1990 GMC Safari battery

1990 GMC SAFARI
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MANCONFUSED39
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1990 GMC Safari 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive

I would like to know why the battery gage reads that the battery is low. I have replaced the battery, starter and the alternator. Once i remove the positve from the battery the van turns off. I place the positive back on an the battery reads low as if it is not charging. Please help.

Thank you.
Aug 9, 2010 at 8:05 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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Do not remove the battery cables when engine is running, this can damage alternator.

Take car to most autoparts stores and have charging system tested for free.
Aug 9, 2010 at 8:12 AM
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MANCONFUSED39
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Thank you. I did take the van in for testing and was told that everything was charging ok. But they did not have answer to why the battery meter would stay on low.

Can it be possible that the meter is broken?
Aug 9, 2010 at 8:19 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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Yes.

Measure voltage at battery terminals with DVOM.

With engine running, it should be 13.5-14.0V. With engine off, it should be 12.0- 12.5 volts.
Aug 9, 2010 at 8:26 AM
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MANCONFUSED39
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Can I repair the battery gage meter?
Aug 9, 2010 at 8:49 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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Probably not, but aftermarket AMP and Voltmeters are available everywhere.
Aug 10, 2010 at 8:22 AM