Batteries charge

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Zicko1993, Mar 7, 2025.

  1. Zicko1993

    Zicko1993 Bobtail Member

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    So i traced the positive lead from the alternator to the ecm area and found this wire been cut from the positive side of the starter, I can’t tell what is it for
     

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  3. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    14.2 to 13.7 is nothing to worry about. Most systems have habits and yours, for a long time, was a habit of staying at 14.2 while charging. Then you changed batteries and alternator, now it's habit seems to be about 13.7. No problem at all.

    Resting voltage or state of charge is what you need to watch. What does it sit at when everything is off? Should be around 12.8 with no significant draws on the system (key off, no heavy loads like inverter, etc.)

    Anything north of 13.2 while running is fine.
     
  4. Zicko1993

    Zicko1993 Bobtail Member

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    It does sit around 12.8 with everything is off
     
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  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Typically you need to feed the batteries with at least 13 volts to maintain a charge. 13.5 to 14.5 volts is a pretty average charging voltage range on most 12 volt systems.
     
    SmallPackage and Zicko1993 Thank this.
  6. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    check your grounds, all of them.
     
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  7. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Could be the other set of batteries needed the 14.2 to stay charged and the new set only needs 13.7. If they stay charged with less voltage needed by the alt that is a good thing. Alt works less as hard to keep batts happy. Like @AModelCat said. It sounds healthy to me.
     
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  8. Zicko1993

    Zicko1993 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 7, 2020
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    Hello
    Thanks for all your help, I found one ground cable been cut by the starter, fixed it today and the charge went back to normal
     
    FullMetalJacket and JB7 Thank this.
  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    you are welcomed.
     
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