Member Since: 21 May 2015
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 1
Alternator/smart charge problem
Hi guys, I'm in need of your expert advice!
I use a 2012 DS4 3.0SDV6 Auto as a specialist broadcast vehicle, which has either developed a fault, or a feature of the smart charge system is causing me problems.
Basically I run an inverter off the engine, which powers electronic kit inside. The vehicle when running fine produces between 14.3-14.9 volts which i would deem perfectly healthy, however suddenly that will drop to around 12.2v which is just the output of the engine battery. Now that is a problem when running the inverter as it will quite quickly drain the engine battery with no alternator charge.
There is no specific cause for this, It will happen at any time, sometimes after a few hours running, other times not for days. There's no warning lights and I have checked the under bonnet/battery temps and they are fine, so this points to a faulty alternator right? Well it would seem not, because if you disconnect the positive terminal briefly, re-setting the ecu etc, and turn the car on, the voltage will pop straight back up to 14v+ and everything is perfectly fine. This is why I'm wondering if the "smart charge" system might be causing my problems?
If anyone knows how the smart charge system works I'd love to know, All i want the car to do is provide a consistent voltage.
Any advice would be extremely helpful. Cheers!!
21st May 2015 12:54 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
The mysteries of the D4 charging and Battery Monitoring System can cause issues such as this. The later BMS updates did help reduce the effect. It is possible to tweak the system to produce and regulate to a slightly higher voltage but unsure if this would help or not with your system.
Do you have a second battery in your setup?
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