Stock Alternator Enough for UL Model?
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: CA
Stock Alternator Enough for UL Model?
So this weekend I took the LS out to Las Vegas - might I mention, this is the ULTIMATE Vegas car!! I drive there about once a month for the past couple years and this car is silent, smooth, easy in overtaking trucks & seniors, has plenty of space, good on gas, and eats up those massive casino speed bumps.
Dilemma:
It was 118-F on the ambient temperature (probably really 110-114 in reality) while parking at Caesar's Palace. Circling around for a spot at 5 mph for a long time, I had my air conditioning on, rear air conditioner on, both seat air conditioners on high, oscillating vents, radio/gps on, and headlights-foglamps as well.
I noticed that my power steering started to give out, my radio shut down 30 seconds later, and I drove it into a spot I finally found. No batteries. I bummed a jump start from an unsuspecting good Samaritan and after I drove around with everything off for a while, the alternator recharged the battery and everything was fine.
That being said, does the alternator produce enough amps to power all the components on idle? How about at speed? I know alternators produce something like 50% output near idle and 100% rated output at 1800rpm. What's the stats on ours and has anyone else had this experience with their UL? I suspect the multiple air conditioners on high were what tipped it over the edge.
Dilemma:
It was 118-F on the ambient temperature (probably really 110-114 in reality) while parking at Caesar's Palace. Circling around for a spot at 5 mph for a long time, I had my air conditioning on, rear air conditioner on, both seat air conditioners on high, oscillating vents, radio/gps on, and headlights-foglamps as well.
I noticed that my power steering started to give out, my radio shut down 30 seconds later, and I drove it into a spot I finally found. No batteries. I bummed a jump start from an unsuspecting good Samaritan and after I drove around with everything off for a while, the alternator recharged the battery and everything was fine.
That being said, does the alternator produce enough amps to power all the components on idle? How about at speed? I know alternators produce something like 50% output near idle and 100% rated output at 1800rpm. What's the stats on ours and has anyone else had this experience with their UL? I suspect the multiple air conditioners on high were what tipped it over the edge.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 214
From: Ontario, Canada
At 2000rpm without accessory load, the charging circuit should read 10A or less, 13.2-14.8V. At 2000rpm with load (high beams on, max AC/heat blower setting), it should read 30A or more.
If the battery is fully charged, the amperage will sometimes be less than the standard.
I haven't seen anything stating the charge specifications at any other rpms.
If your battery is old or has been depleted a few times, it will not hold as much energy as it did when new. Try getting your alternator and battery tested. Also check your accessory drive belt.
There are a few good battery threads here, give them a read. Or if your battery is over 5 years old, maybe you're due for a new one anyway.
If the battery is fully charged, the amperage will sometimes be less than the standard.
I haven't seen anything stating the charge specifications at any other rpms.
If your battery is old or has been depleted a few times, it will not hold as much energy as it did when new. Try getting your alternator and battery tested. Also check your accessory drive belt.
There are a few good battery threads here, give them a read. Or if your battery is over 5 years old, maybe you're due for a new one anyway.
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Shmee
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
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Jan 27, 2014 10:33 PM
