Cold Ambient Temps = Higher Alternator Voltage?
Our '16 Ram 3500 Cummins (220a alternator) typically charges around 14.3 - 14.4v about 95% of the time. On occasion charge voltage will drop to 13.9v on a long trip when the batteries get topped-off really well.
This morning temps were almost zero (F) when I started our truck. Alternator voltage ramped up to 14.7v momentarily then immediately down to 12.1v (battery sag voltage after one engine start) about 4 or 5 times before it finally came on steady at 14.6v (it seemed like the voltage was exceeding some kind of threshold and was purposely being turned off, then on again for another try). In any case, it remained at 14.6v during our entire 6 hour drive on the freeway. Typically it will gradually drop (14.4v to 13.9v) as the batteries work towards a full charge. However, no voltage drop whatsoever on this trip.
After a bit of snooping online, it seems some manufacturers boost charging voltage when there's very cold ambient temps. Any chance this may be occurring with our truck?
This morning temps were almost zero (F) when I started our truck. Alternator voltage ramped up to 14.7v momentarily then immediately down to 12.1v (battery sag voltage after one engine start) about 4 or 5 times before it finally came on steady at 14.6v (it seemed like the voltage was exceeding some kind of threshold and was purposely being turned off, then on again for another try). In any case, it remained at 14.6v during our entire 6 hour drive on the freeway. Typically it will gradually drop (14.4v to 13.9v) as the batteries work towards a full charge. However, no voltage drop whatsoever on this trip.
After a bit of snooping online, it seems some manufacturers boost charging voltage when there's very cold ambient temps. Any chance this may be occurring with our truck?
