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About right Posted by Ari [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: Alternator/battery voltage SWINGING, Mitja, Thu, 25 Aug 2005 02:50:02 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Alternator voltage changes with electrical load, engine speed, and alternator temperature. About the only worries come if the voltage is too low, or too high. Your readings are OK. Less than 12.6 volts above idle won't charge the battery; much above 14.8 or so will shorten bulb life; much over 15 and change can damage electronics.
At idle, with some electrical load (cabin fan, maybe AC clutch in), 13.1 is pretty good. With a warm alternator, 12.8 isn't great but is reasonable. At 2000 rpm or more, a cool alternator, and minimal electrical load, 14.5 is quite reasonable. A variation from 13 to 14.5 won't make a big change in light brightness - maybe discernable, but not major.
If the lights are brightening on occasion, try turning the AC off and see if it continues. If turning off the AC 'fixes' the light output change, check the headlight and AC grounds. The AC clutch pulls a lot of current, and you may be seeing a grounding issue.
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