Alternator voltage Low? or normal (1 Viewer)

[mep1811]

I was told by someone that my voltage is low and should be higher. (2013 200 Series with dual batteries) On my FJ-60 the voltage was always at least 13.5 if not 13.8. Higher if the aux battery was depleted.

Now with a newer vehicle it is my understanding that new alternators are smart alternators and only deliver the exact voltage that is needed.

What say you? I'm still learning about modern vehicles. Thanks

 

[RobW0]

Not sure about the 2013 but my 2019 is not a smart alternator. It is a bit of a cross between a fixed voltage and a temperature compensating alternator. In my Redarc BCDC dual battery system it will output between 13.7 and 14 volts, depending on if I have the heated seats, heated steering wheel and defrosters going. The BCDC will start at 14.7 volts for the Aux battery and then go down to about 13.3 volts when the Aux is charged. 13.4 from the alternator to the main battery is low in my opinion. What type of dual battery system do you have?


Edit: The Redarc page says that the 2013 is also a Temperature Compensating Alternator.

 

[mep1811]

Not sure about the 2013 but my 2019 is not a smart alternator. It is a bit of a cross between a fixed voltage and a temperature compensating alternator. In my Redarc BCDC dual battery system it will output between 13.7 and 14 volts, depending on if I have the heated seats, heated steering wheel and defrosters going. The BCDC will start at 14.7 volts for the Aux battery and then go down to about 13.3 volts when the Aux is charged. 13.4 from the alternator to the main battery is low in my opinion. What type of dual battery system do you have?


Edit: The Redarc page says that the 2013 is also a Temperature Compensating Alternator.

I have the National Luna system . It seems to keep the aux battery topped off .

 

[RobW0]

I have the National Luna system . It seems to keep the aux battery topped off .

What is the voltage on the main and aux battery with the engine off? You might check that the battery terminals on the main battery are tight and clean.

 

[fj4068]

Plenty of reading regarding aftermarket diode placed inline in the alternator voltage sense circuit to cause the smart alternator to raise its voltage output:

Odyssey Batteries - How to Charge? Diode or DC DC Charger?

The Odyssey batteries require alternator output of 14.0 to 14.7V to charge correctly (and comply with warranty conditions). The LC200 has an output of approx 13.8V when cool dropped to 13.3V when warm. I installed an Odyssey battery about 9 mths ago with the stock setup on my URJ202R and the...

forum.ih8mud.com

I use the HKB option because of its built-in breaker and identical form factor.