IslandCruiser23
2018 LC
Does anyone know if the USA version of the 200 has a smart alternator? Temperature sensing or variable voltage? If so what years?
Do USA 200 series have a smart alternator?
- Thread starter IslandCruiser23
- Start date
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My alternator is super smart - keeps the electric going no matter what the conditions 
IslandCruiser23
2018 LC
- Thread starter
- #4
I saw that on the redarc.com.au site.. but I think that is the 4.5 diesel version.
I don't see a sensor on the battery terminal or under the battery, so It could be that voltage is regulated by the ECU. If that is the case, then a combiner like the Hellroaring BIC-95300B or Blue Sea ML-ACR may not charge the aux battery if the ECU drops the charge rate because the voltage in the battery is good or to conserve fuel (e.g under acceleration load).
In australia, the trend is to DC-DC chargers to get around this and get a fully charged aux battery..
I wonder if owners have noticed that there aux battery is never fully charged..
I don't see a sensor on the battery terminal or under the battery, so It could be that voltage is regulated by the ECU. If that is the case, then a combiner like the Hellroaring BIC-95300B or Blue Sea ML-ACR may not charge the aux battery if the ECU drops the charge rate because the voltage in the battery is good or to conserve fuel (e.g under acceleration load).
In australia, the trend is to DC-DC chargers to get around this and get a fully charged aux battery..
I wonder if owners have noticed that there aux battery is never fully charged..
All modern cars since early 2000s have been equiped with "smart alternators". It's a fuel efficiency measure as the alternators don't have to unnecessarily draw mechanical energy in producing excess power.
Dual battery banks, and batteries of different chemistry should be supported by a DC-DC charger.
Dual battery banks, and batteries of different chemistry should be supported by a DC-DC charger.
IslandCruiser23
2018 LC
- Thread starter
- #6
So best setup for a combiner setup would use the same battery type/model for starting and Aux. DC-DC setup could use different types of Aux battery chemistry that use a different charge profile than a normal starting battery....
Yes, I'd recommend them to be configured as a single bank. Of flooded lead acid chemistry. To make sure that the factory smart alternator is compatible with it.
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