Low Voltage

[Mikeytmc]

I Had a service shifter message pop up last week. I took it back to the dealer for them to check it it and the did a software update but did say it had a code for low voltage. Today while driving shifter message came up again, when I checked the volt gauge it’s only reading 13.1 or .2 volts while going. When I stop it jumps to 14.5 or .6 which is what I’m use to seeing in other vehicles. Do the diesels put out less voltage or is this an issue I need to get corrected?

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[Predator31]

it has an intelligent battery management system related to stop/start system and will actively regulate alternator voltage based on battery charge state. shouldn't get below about 12.8 (no charging) and no higher than about 14.2 (max AGM charging). I had a random email this weekend saying I had a charging system issue but never got a dash light or message.

I had a shifter message in the last snowfall that caused a lot of slush buildup underneath (assume it's related)... something about park/neutral circuit issue. It was having some trouble getting into park. there is a random connector under the torque converter area I found that had some moisture inside, so I used some connector cleaner and put it back just for giggles. Issue went away after slush melted. I assume it was just that moisture in that plug. I hate how it's hanging out for a rock to grab. I'm looking forward to a more substantial skid plate system coming out for diesels to protect things better.

 

[Mikeytmc]

it has an intelligent battery management system related to stop/start system and will actively regulate alternator voltage based on battery charge state. shouldn't get below about 12.8 (no charging) and no higher than about 14.2 (max AGM charging). I had a random email this weekend saying I had a charging system issue but never got a dash light or message.

I had a shifter message in the last snowfall that caused a lot of slush buildup underneath (assume it's related)... something about park/neutral circuit issue. It was having some trouble getting into park. there is a random connector under the torque converter area I found that had some moisture inside, so I used some connector cleaner and put it back just for giggles. Issue went away after slush melted. I assume it was just that moisture in that plug. I hate how it's hanging out for a rock to grab. I'm looking forward to a more substantial skid plate system coming out for diesels to protect things better.

Thanks for the reply. I actually took the truck in because the message kept coming up and the service manager said there was a service bulletin for a connection under the truck which may be what you were referring to. Since then, no more message so I’m hoping it took care of that issue.

 

[Little diesel]

it has an intelligent battery management system related to stop/start system and will actively regulate alternator voltage based on battery charge state. shouldn't get below about 12.8 (no charging) and no higher than about 14.2 (max AGM charging). I had a random email this weekend saying I had a charging system issue but never got a dash light or message.

I had a shifter message in the last snowfall that caused a lot of slush buildup underneath (assume it's related)... something about park/neutral circuit issue. It was having some trouble getting into park. there is a random connector under the torque converter area I found that had some moisture inside, so I used some connector cleaner and put it back just for giggles. Issue went away after slush melted. I assume it was just that moisture in that plug. I hate how it's hanging out for a rock to grab. I'm looking forward to a more substantial skid plate system coming out for diesels to protect things better.

Did you have to change out alternator for charging system, mine is doing the same thing bounces between 12-14.7 I think it even dropped 11.7 but the goes back up. i assume I may need new alternator. Charging system not charging alert sent to Uconnect, but no lights on dash.

 

[Predator31]

Did you have to change out alternator for charging system, mine is doing the same thing bounces between 12-14.7 I think it even dropped 11.7 but the goes back up. i assume I may need new alternator. Charging system not charging alert sent to Uconnect, but no lights on dash.

I haven't replaced anything. Haven't had any more errors. Voltage still does a wild dance all over, I assume based on system load and battery charge state as described previously. I've permanently turned off the stop start system. Also I use a 2 amp onboard desulfating battery charger occasionally to spruce up the batteries.

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