Voltage and/or Electrical question

[TWINRAY]

First off, the car has been off road for 4 years. I have a 2002 battery in it that's been on a Tender all the time. I know I need a new battery when the car gets on the road especially if it doesn't power up the motor when I try and start it - which hopefully will be in the next few days.

I put a voltmeter on the battery this am and it reads 13.2 volts

. I then put the battery disconnect on power, the only draw is the 2 under front dash panel courtesy lights, and the voltage drops to 7 and change

.

I check the "switched" pink wire on top of the steering column that goes to the ignition - it's also on 7.2v when switched.

I go to the starter input "heavy wire" terminal and it reads 13.2 volts.

How can that be

.

 

[TimAT]

Using a voltmeter to a different ground every time? Reading your post, I'd say you have a bad ground between the body harness and the battery, yet a good ground between the starter and battery. easy test- run a jumper from the battery ground directly to the birdcage and see what you get.

 

[TWINRAY]

10-4. Thanks for the advise, Tim - I will check that out, Regards, Fred