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Voltage on MX5

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 6:19 pm
by RaYmO
Hi Guys,

Sorry for Noob question, does the MX5 (NA) run on 12V setting?

My Q is related to sourcing the right gauges.

Cheers,

Ray

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 6:21 pm
by AJ
yes.

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 4:58 pm
by Benny
All modern cars run a 12V system with negative earth.
In the old days many cars ran only 6V and had poor starters and headlights because of it and there was a mixture of both positive and negative earths whihc drove radio makers and auto electricians crazy.

A few years ago, there was a push to move cars up to 42V to run all of the electronics and electrical acessories a lot better, and they were also trying to have the starter motor and alternator joined into one unit.
There are a number of advantages to running 42V systems as against a 12v system, but in the end, the car makers just wanted to remain with the status quo and stay with the 12v.