Depleted battery?

[DivineStripe]

I purchased a new battery for my vehicle and registered it appropriately. I tested the voltage with a multimeter; when I activate the engine, the battery remains below 12 volts and does not increase. I have examined the alternator, and it indicates a voltage over 14 volts. What might be the issue? I am quite apprehensive, as the car may cease functioning during my travel.

[sherlockHOME]

Attempt to measure the voltages with the car's body as the ground reference; are they identical?

[sighn34]

Did you measure the voltage prior to connecting to the vehicle?

[veroguittar]

The standard battery voltage should be slightly above 12 volts when the engine is not operating, therefore there is no cause for significant concern.
I purchased a new battery, which registered 12.2 volts prior to installation today.

[sherlockHOME]

The AGM battery I installed previously measured approximately 13 volts.
I would have expected a new acid battery to be approximately 12.5 volts or higher. A 12.2v battery indicates around 50% charge.

[jameswright77]

Possibly poor grounding.
The battery should have a voltage of 13 volts or more when the engine is operational.

[DivineStripe]

[DivineStripe]