Is 14V Normal While Running? AutoZone Guy Said It’s High 🤔

I’ve got a 2000W amp running at 1200W, and everything seems fine.

Went to AutoZone just to have them run codes for the hell of it—zero codes came up—but the guy told me my battery is at 14V and acted like that was high.

Am I wrong, or isn’t 14V completely normal when the car is running?

14V is normal for a running car. AutoZone doesn’t hire master mechanics. :joy:

Ari said:
14V is normal for a running car. AutoZone doesn’t hire master mechanics. :joy:

They’re not a master of anything working there.

Ari said:
14V is normal for a running car. AutoZone doesn’t hire master mechanics. :joy:

Right?! I asked him, ‘What do you mean by that’s a little high?’ :joy:

Ari said:
14V is normal for a running car. AutoZone doesn’t hire master mechanics. :joy:

Facts. 1000%.

Dude is dead wrong. If your car was charging at 12V, your battery would be dead real quick.

Sidney said:
Dude is dead wrong. If your car was charging at 12V, your battery would be dead real quick.

I literally looked at him like ‘what are you talking about?’ The car was running! :joy:

Lol, at least you knew better. I get a kick out of people who take the AutoZone printout and a random part to a mechanic and say, ‘Here, replace this!’ :roll_eyes::joy:

Normal charging voltage is 13.8-14.1V. Means your alternator is doing its job.

The guy pushing parts at AutoZone is probably not a mechanic and has no clue what he’s talking about.

Wait… you have a 2000W amp? What are you listening to that loud? I’d think your head would explode with the windows closed. :exploding_head::joy:

Lennox said:
Wait… you have a 2000W amp? What are you listening to that loud? I’d think your head would explode with the windows closed. :exploding_head::joy:

LOL, yeah, it gets loud sometimes, but that’s what the bass knob is for—adjusting for different genres. :wink:

12-14V is normal. If it’s 12V at idle, that’s actually low.

Are you running stock electrical (factory alternator, single battery, no lithium bank)?

If so, you might want to invest in a high-output alternator. A 2000W amp @12V pulls 167A, and 1200W pulls around 100A.

I think stock, your Escape has a 150A alternator? Most vehicles need 40-60A just to run normal electronics, before you add in a big amp. If the alternator is constantly maxed out, it’ll wear out faster.

I’ve got a 2012 Maxima with 3K watts on subs & 1K on mids/highs. Ended up upgrading to a 320A alternator + dual batteries, then swapped to a 390A when that wasn’t enough. The regulator sits at full voltage when I crank the system up.

Also, I worked part-time at AutoZone before—total disaster. Most people there have zero actual vehicle repair knowledge outside of basic shadetree work. I only did it for the employee discounts. :joy:

Certified ASE mechanic, 20+ years experience—thanks for coming to my TED Talk. :rofl:

Normal voltage at idle is 14.2-14.7V. That AutoZone guy has zero clue what he’s talking about.

Yeah, 14V is totally normal. Charging range for a 12V system while running is usually 13.8-14.6V.

  • Lower than 13.8V? Your battery won’t charge properly.
  • Higher than 14.6V? You’re overcharging the battery.

You’re right in the middle—no need to worry. :+1:

14V when running is fine. Nothing to stress about.

12.9-14.6V is the range you wanna be in. Just try not to push your amp too hard while also running stuff like AC, lights, etc.

Too much strain on the alternator = dead battery real quick. Maybe look into a capacitor if you’re pushing big power.