Voltage guage fluctuates a lot

[Beatrice24]

Hi there!

I’ve got a 24 WT and recently started watching the gauges screen on my dash and noticed that the voltage fluctuates quite a bit and varies between 12.7 and 14.6. I don’t have any codes, errors or issues but was just curious if this is normal? In the old analog days, the voltage meter would just sit at around 13.2 and was fairly consistent.

Thanks!

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[Squirrel13]

I have noticed the same on my 24 Wikdtrak. I believe the newer vehicles use smart charging. By controlling the charging supply vs draw demand they can cycle the load on the belt driven side and reduce drag or parasitic loss. I’m sure someone will post a very technical explanation.

 

[RagnarKon]

Normal.

Broncos have a battery management system (controlled by the BCM/PCM) on-board that dynamically changes the voltage regulator based on a variety of factors.

 

[Squatch]

Broncos do be like that.

 

[Brian_B]

Only start to worry if it seems to get stuck at 15.xx for long periods of time (like an entire 50 mile drive), or if you start to get the Deep Sleep notification frequently

 

[NAzHunter]

Would installing the Genesis dual battery system cause any issues?

 

[Area51BS]

Normal.

 

[Brian_B]

Would installing the Genesis dual battery system cause any issues?

It shouldn't - assuming it's installed and operated correctly

 

[Beatrice24]

Thanks for the replies

 

[Techun]

I have noticed the same on my 24 Wikdtrak. I believe the newer vehicles use smart charging. By controlling the charging supply vs draw demand they can cycle the load on the belt driven side and reduce drag or parasitic loss. I’m sure someone will post a very technical explanation.

It (mostly) charges when you're decelerating. Saves you 0.2mpg baby.

It's got regenerative braking!

 

[Ukko Wildtrak]

You want to see it really jump around, start installing some decent amps, speakers and subs!

It really seems to jump around the most when I'm not drawing a lot of power. If I'm running full tilt the voltage usually sits at 14.1 and then it might drop down to 13 6 or 13.5. If I'm not drawing a lot of power, then it jumps around more like you describe.

 

[SierraBronco]

Broncos do be like that.

Here’s the technical explanation you were expecting @Squirrel13

 

[Jason N]

Would installing the Genesis dual battery system cause any issues?

No. I recently installed this and been watching my volts closely. It’s behaving exactly the same prior to the install.

 

[Jason N]

I had this issue of volt fluctuation on my jeep once. Started to happpen all of a sudden and before that was always stable. It bounced around from 11-14. Turned out to be a loose ground. The main ground coming off battery had a loose connection to the body. Put in some dielectric grease and tightened it up. Never did it again.

 

[NAzHunter]

No. I recently installed this and been watching my volts closely. It’s behaving exactly the same prior to the install.

Do you have pictures of your install. I ordered the system, just waiting on the batteries. I hope to install next weekend.

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