Volt gauge works at startup then dies
 

I have a 2000 SE and I see the gauges always seem to have problems in these cars but I have tried a search and nothing seems to sound like my problem, Every time I start the car the volt gauge starts off in the red (8 or something If I recall) and within 10 seconds the check gauges light comes on and the volt gauge goes to the off position. The car has no problems starting or powering everything in it and the rest of the gauges work well. Anyone have any ideas?

The dash gauges are generally not very accurate. I have a external volt gauge, and where I put the ground changes what the reading is. If you want a good reading of voltage you will need to get away from the dash gauges.

I really don't care how accurate it is, I just need it to give a reading so that I dont have a check gauges light on perpetually and a stupid chime everytime it goes to hell haha. So does it sound like it could be as simple as a ground issue? If your gauge changes readings depending on where the ground is then mine just may pick 10 seconds after I start the car every time to take a dump on me.

I say hook up a DVOM to the same wires the gauge uses. If the DVOM reads correct, the the gauge is bad.