Well I suppose I should have just Google it first. I most certainly have a fixed voltage alternator.
t alternators vs fixed voltage alternators
Fixed voltage alternators are becoming less common on new vehicles as reduced fuel consumption targets and more stringent environmental and emissions standards are adopted by manufacturers. A fixed voltage alternator has a high enough voltage to charge a secondary battery in the vehicle to a usable level for leisure or auxiliary use.
The smart alternator system, also known as variable voltage alternators, allow the vehicle to control the output voltage and current from the alternator based on vehicle operating conditions. The idea behind this is to reduce electrical load and in turn mechanical load on the engine by the alternator. Unfortunately, this renders it unsuitable for charging a secondary battery system to a usable level.
How do I tell if I have a smart alternator?
Smart alternators are par for the course in most modern vehicles, but when measuring or monitoring output voltage from a vehicle with a variable voltage alternator you will find the voltage can range between 12.3V-15V. It’s not easy to tell if it’s a variable voltage alternator by only measuring voltage as sometimes the result may be deceiving or look similar to a standard alternator at time of testing.
A good way to determine whether your vehicle has a variable voltage alternator is to look at the vehicle start battery. What you are looking for is a module mounted on or close to the battery terminal (usually the battery negative). This is the battery sensor, if it’s got one of these, you have a variable voltage alternator.
