Moderator: volvite
http://www.optimabatteries.com/us/en/su ... /charging/
OPTIMA® REDTOP® Charging Information
The following charging methods are recommended to ensure a long battery life. Always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below.
REDTOP® Type: 34 & 34R - 34/78 - 78 - 25 & 35 - 75/25
These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep-cycle applications.
Recommended charging information:
Alternator:
•13.3 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
Battery Charger:
•13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, approximately for 6-12 hours.
Rapid Recharge:
•Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below 1 amp.
Float Charge:
•13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).
Strictly adhere to all limits.
Safety Information:
•Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries.
•Always use a voltage-regulated battery charger with limits set to the above ratings. Overcharging can cause the safety valves to open and battery gasses to escape, resulting in premature failure. These gasses are flammable! You cannot replace water in sealed batteries that have been overcharged. Any battery that becomes very hot or makes a hissing sound while recharging should be disconnected immediately.
•Failure to fully charge a battery can result in poor performance and a reduction in capacity.
disallow wrote:Doc,
What battery are you running?
disallow wrote:That is really low. On my 05, I measured the other day:
Immediately after startup, it measured 14.6v.
After 10-15 minutes of idling, it dropped to 14.4v.
What kind of alternator did you replace your original with? Sounds regulator related... I'd be concerned that if your voltage is that low, the amperage output is down too. Did you run your test with accessories on or off? Headlights? Do you have anything crazy hooked up, amps, etc?
disallow wrote:Doc,
What battery are you running?
The OP mentioned he was running an Optima Red Top. The minimum charge is 13.3v. Per their website:
http://www.optimabatteries.com/us/en/su ... /charging/
OPTIMA® REDTOP® Charging Information
The following charging methods are recommended to ensure a long battery life. Always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below.
REDTOP® Type: 34 & 34R - 34/78 - 78 - 25 & 35 - 75/25
These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep-cycle applications.
Recommended charging information:
Alternator:
•13.3 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
Battery Charger:
•13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, approximately for 6-12 hours.
Rapid Recharge:
•Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below 1 amp.
Float Charge:
•13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).
Strictly adhere to all limits.
Safety Information:
•Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries.
•Always use a voltage-regulated battery charger with limits set to the above ratings. Overcharging can cause the safety valves to open and battery gasses to escape, resulting in premature failure. These gasses are flammable! You cannot replace water in sealed batteries that have been overcharged. Any battery that becomes very hot or makes a hissing sound while recharging should be disconnected immediately.
•Failure to fully charge a battery can result in poor performance and a reduction in capacity.
headlights? heater? ac?nispath05 wrote:hello everyone, and thanks for the help so far...
even when the voltage reads on the bullydog gt 12.9, everything act normal. can it be the optima red top battery?even if the battery is new? this morning on the way to work, (about 10 mile drive) the car ran the whole way at about 13.9-14.2v. on my way home, 12.9-13.3v what the hell can it be???
The Voltage Regulator is an integral part of your alternator, and based on the electrical load on your truck, it regulates the alternator voltage charging the system. As I mentioned previously, I've never seen an alternator (functioning correctly) test below 13.6v (always conduct the test with minimal loads, amps off, radio off, AC off, Headlights off, blowers off). If your test shows a voltage below this, I would suspect the alternator is not charging properly due to a blown voltage regulator.nispath05 wrote:disallow wrote:That is really low. On my 05, I measured the other day:
Immediately after startup, it measured 14.6v.
After 10-15 minutes of idling, it dropped to 14.4v.
What kind of alternator did you replace your original with? Sounds regulator related... I'd be concerned that if your voltage is that low, the amperage output is down too. Did you run your test with accessories on or off? Headlights? Do you have anything crazy hooked up, amps, etc?
I ran the test both on then off. i do have two amps but i also have a 3 farad capacitor. with a factory replacement. Twice.. what do you mean by regulator related???
nispath05 wrote: he did mention to get rid of the optima red top battery... WHAT!!! i said, he said that those batteries suck...