Help ease my mind, charging system.

[ag99silva]

Brand new Ram 1500 with hurricane. 250 miles. I noticed driving today on a road trip of about 1.5 hours that my battery voltage was at about 13.1-13.2 while driving at highway speeds. When I would let off of my accelerator and coast it would go up to 14.3 range. Whenever I step back on accelerator and put load on the engine it holds steady at about 13.1.

I’ve read some info that says this isn’t normal, but I’ve also read other info that with these modern alternators/charging systems that it’s normal to run at about 13 volts if the battery is fully charged and the demand isn’t high. When I turn truck to “run” while it’s shut off the battery reads 12.6 volts (which I think is good. Would be bad if it was below 12 right?)

I’m bringing it to the dealer on Tuesday to check alignment (it’s pulling to the right). I’m wondering if I should have them look into the charging system or if what I’m describing above is normal.

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[1791]

they don't charge all the time to save fuel it puts less load on the motor

 

[Willwork4truck]

This ^. The battery will fall down in voltage then the system sends a higher current for awhile.
While I don't haver the I6, my et "generator" does the same thing.
The "smart" aternators have been out since appx 2014 in various makes, designed to take the load off the motor in order to save .01 of a gallon of fuel.
google search:
"A smart alternator is a type of alternator that adjusts its output voltage based on the vehicle's operating conditions. They are also known as variable voltage alternators or ECU controlled charging systems.

How they work

• Smart alternators are designed to reduce the mechanical and electrical load on the engine.
  
  
• They run at a lower voltage than traditional alternators.
  
  
• When the driver lifts off the accelerator, the voltage increases to quickly charge the battery.
  
  
• They are shut down when they are not needed. "

 

[ag99silva]

Thank you guys so much. I’ve never honestly watched voltage in my vehicles before. I only started watching now because this new truck had a bad battery they replaced when I went to test drive it so I’ve been paranoid about it. What you guys tell me definitely puts my mind at ease. Thank you.

 

[Cbty2050]

Charging system is working as intended.

Alignment question, are you taking it to the dealer you purchased it from? The reason I ask, alignments are not paid by warranty in the first 500 miles, unless caught on the pdi. If this is the selling dealer, they can eat the cost because they missed it. If you didn't purchase the truck from them, you might get push back.

 

[ag99silva]

Yes I’m taking it to the dealer I bought it. They are classifying it as a “we pay” visit since I had the issue during my test drive and it wasn’t corrected to my satisfaction.

 

[tlipcsey]

Just took mine on a 1500 mile road trip.. same thing as you describe. Was hovering around 13.0 on the highway. Coasting it ran up. Get in truck not running, about 12.0-12.1. Seems lots of issues with bad batteries.. also make sure the terminals are tight...many reported loose terminals as well.