wfco possibly issues Bulk mode..Charge abilitys?

joebedford wrote:
Did you push the bulk button on the WFCO?

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
That's what I get for assssssuming you had an older system. That technical announcement is absurd. Every ECU on the planet acts exactly the same way. My 1995 Dodge Spirit, needs periodic battery de-sulfation? Yes it reaches 15.5 volts and slumps to as low as (observed) 13.2 volts on a ridiculously hot 122F day in Arizona.

Voltage Slump under load is normal for these harebrained systems. It drove forum member landyacht so nuts he bypassed the ECU and installed a Transpo F540XHD, adjustable voltage regulator. Me? I would be concerned if my system charged house batteries.

For STRICTLY vehicle battery use, the ECU "A Type" regulation is just fine. Never heard complaint alarms about short VEHICLE BATTERY life. For remote house batteries, I am quite certain you will find that as compared to a thermocouple compensation regulator (meaning the old fashioned kind), the ECU will deliver about 90% of the alternator product to the house batteries. Solar voltaics on the roof and a good regulator could help you top off the batteries in that case.

DIAGNOSTICS
Verify just how "Norman Bates" an ECU VR can get check on a GM technical bulletin for "Excessively Slow Voltage Recovery" if a hall effect amperage pickup is used. GM's idea on limp home is to minimize engine loading and this MAY mean a lowered default open loop regulator setting. MoPar systems are the same way.

"Periodic Battery Desulfation" Oh god, my side hurts. One bright side (the only bright side) is that aside from faults due to connection deterioration, ECU regulators are tough. Tougher than any integral voltage regulator.

BTW, I would not try to bypass your regulator. Newer systems use a Field Report FR, and bypassing anything will generate a permanent fault code in the computer.

And thank you for the correction! Now if I can only wipe the stupid grin off my face...Desulfation...Ouch my cramp!

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Advice "Safety" First

Find out what kind of rigamarole "a thrown code" means as far as re-setting. Some vehicles need to go to the dealer $$$$$$$$$$

See if you can get your hands on a xerox of the GM Technical Service Bulletin dealing with ECU / Alternator issues. I'm a little far from a dealer. But tell the service manager the truth "It's for someone who does not live in the USA and -desperately- needs the TSB :)" One question for the service manager "Does my system send a FIELD REPORT to the ECU?"

You are correct, loss of sense lead will result in a default voltage setting. The earliest Delco 10SI had a ludicrously high 16.4 volt default. Your comment of course makes sense.

I need to see a picture of the rear (slip ring end) of your alternator. Another favor to ask of your dealer parts department. Or at least get the factory Delphi part number for your alternator. I can do an online search from there.

Botched diagnosis is out of the question so please pardon my caution doing this.