Alternator Charging Voltage At Idle at Wallace Yang blog

Alternator Charging Voltage At Idle. For some, a constant 13.6 volts is an indication of a problem. If you have a reading below 13 volts, you can try revving the car engine a bit to see if it increases, this could mean that the alternator is about to fail. If the alternator’s voltage regulator (which might be built into the alternator or external, depending on the vehicle) is faulty, it can cause voltage fluctuations. Still, it's perfectly normal for others to see the alternator not charge at all intermittently. It should read 13 to 14.5 volts at idle if the alternator is working. For some alternators, it's normal to see as low as 13 volts. The common issue is low voltage at idle where the voltmeter reads 11.5 or 12 volts instead of closer to 13.5 to 14.5 volts. For others, it's normal to see as high as 16 volts for long stretches. A good alternator should maintain battery voltage between 13.9 and 14.8 volts (14.2 is optimum). Voltage at the battery may be 14.2, but yet, way out at the rear taillight bulb, this voltage may only be 13.5 volts, due to voltage drop. While a higher output alternator is often the cure, it’s best to first check the charging system circuit to ensure that the connection between the alternator and the battery is not creating unwanted resistance. You can test the regulator using specialized equipment or, replace it as a diagnostic step if it’s an older external type. Most modern vehicles control the alternators field coil and idle rpm to optimize the alternator's output. What this means is that voltage at the alternator may be, say 14.5 volts.

Still, it's perfectly normal for others to see the alternator not charge at all intermittently. It should read 13 to 14.5 volts at idle if the alternator is working. Voltage at the battery may be 14.2, but yet, way out at the rear taillight bulb, this voltage may only be 13.5 volts, due to voltage drop. For some alternators, it's normal to see as low as 13 volts. A good alternator should maintain battery voltage between 13.9 and 14.8 volts (14.2 is optimum). While a higher output alternator is often the cure, it’s best to first check the charging system circuit to ensure that the connection between the alternator and the battery is not creating unwanted resistance. Most modern vehicles control the alternators field coil and idle rpm to optimize the alternator's output. What this means is that voltage at the alternator may be, say 14.5 volts. The common issue is low voltage at idle where the voltmeter reads 11.5 or 12 volts instead of closer to 13.5 to 14.5 volts. If you have a reading below 13 volts, you can try revving the car engine a bit to see if it increases, this could mean that the alternator is about to fail.

Serpentine system 180amp alternator, Idle voltage comparisons with load

Alternator Charging Voltage At Idle For some alternators, it's normal to see as low as 13 volts. For some, a constant 13.6 volts is an indication of a problem. It should read 13 to 14.5 volts at idle if the alternator is working. Voltage at the battery may be 14.2, but yet, way out at the rear taillight bulb, this voltage may only be 13.5 volts, due to voltage drop. Still, it's perfectly normal for others to see the alternator not charge at all intermittently. The common issue is low voltage at idle where the voltmeter reads 11.5 or 12 volts instead of closer to 13.5 to 14.5 volts. Most modern vehicles control the alternators field coil and idle rpm to optimize the alternator's output. A good alternator should maintain battery voltage between 13.9 and 14.8 volts (14.2 is optimum). You can test the regulator using specialized equipment or, replace it as a diagnostic step if it’s an older external type. If the alternator’s voltage regulator (which might be built into the alternator or external, depending on the vehicle) is faulty, it can cause voltage fluctuations. While a higher output alternator is often the cure, it’s best to first check the charging system circuit to ensure that the connection between the alternator and the battery is not creating unwanted resistance. For some alternators, it's normal to see as low as 13 volts. If you have a reading below 13 volts, you can try revving the car engine a bit to see if it increases, this could mean that the alternator is about to fail. For others, it's normal to see as high as 16 volts for long stretches. What this means is that voltage at the alternator may be, say 14.5 volts.