Ok so I just got my rover a few months ago and have been working on slowly transforming it into an overlanding rig. So one of my first buys was a proud rhino power panel. Now my issue is that the voltage stares me in the face all day long! So I know there is a problem because it will read 14.4 when I start it in the morning and as the truck warms up the voltage starts dropping, sometimes as low as 13.2.

So here is what I know so far, the battery is good! Voltage is 12.4 with the engine off. I unfortunately had to the replace the alternator because the other one went bad, so I have a certified remanufactured bosch alternator that I got from Rock Auto that's been in it a month.

What am I missing? Has this happened to anyone else?

Thank you in advance!

 

Seems pretty normal to me. The alternator is regulated like most are, the only exception is on the LR3 the computer had a hand at it too. The colder it is, the higher the starting voltage. As the vehicle warms up or as ambient temperatures are higher the operating voltage drops and also the starting voltage will be less (warm start). 13.2 is above the minimum of 12.6 and seems about right if the engine is warmed up and its not freezing cold outside. Fire up a bunch of power hungry items and seem how well it holds. There might be a drop but it won't be much, more so at idle. While driving there should be little to no drop with a bunch of stuff powered on.

 

Ok that makes me a feel a little better. What voltage should I be looking for range wise for this truck? Everything I see online says it should be between 13.8 and 14.6 if everything is working well.

 

13.2 is pretty much minimum. Also make sure you are getting your reading from an actual volt meter - not some cheap dash gauge that was made for a dime, a real meter.

 

Ok. I will give it another look through tomorrow. If I go for a longer drive and see the voltage drop to under the 13.2, where would you start looking next?

Thank you for all the knowledge! I'm new to the rover game. It's been fun but a little exhausting.

 

If voltage is dropping too low, replace the alternator again. Not uncommon for remans to be bad. I tend to stay away from Bosch and stick with OEM which was Denso.

Also check all your grounds. Especially the main ground from the battery at the fender.

 

13.2V isnt bad, just means less electrical load so the alternator outputs less voltage.Your battery rest voltage at 12.4V is more an issue, it means it roughly only half charged.