Voltage Rates Too High?

[AK SloPok 10+ year member]

What is a normal range of voltage in a stock vehicle. My truck will put out 15.5 or so at the battery. When the battery is charging and the alternator going. I measured just a touch more than 15.1 at the amp yesterday at idle.

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[dkguitarist 5,000+ posts]

anywhere from 12-14.4

 

[AK SloPok 10+ year member]

So above 14.4 would be a problem?

 

[DjiNN 10+ year member]

i dont think it would be a problem .. but extra voltage = more power which in turn = more bass? correct me if im wrong .. =X

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

i dont think it would be a problem .. but extra voltage = more power which in turn = more bass? correct me if im wrong .. =X

Not if:

A) the amp has a regulated power supply

or

B) the amp is not rated to handle the increased voltage and pops.

 

[AK SloPok 10+ year member]

When I spoke to Kicker, they said, "we have seen amps go into protect when the voltage gets around 15.2 or so". They publish a working voltage of 9-16v. I am going to send the amp in to see if they can find anything during testing.

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

Its not a problem with your amp bud.

Its with the alternator.

 

[jackclove 10+ year member]

You might want to try another volt meter just to make sure it's not the meter messing up.

 

[AK SloPok 10+ year member]

I have found that it is "normal" for some GM SUVs and PU starting in 05 to charge at up to 15.5 v. This high rate is part of GMs quest to advertise higer MPG. By "smart" charging they can cut the demand on the alternator at times and supposedly increase efficiency.

Perhaps this explains why we see so many GM products with burt out daytime running lights as they have not upgraded many of the bulbs in the system to account for the increased voltage. So I have read...

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

I wouldn't be worrying about the amp. I'd be worrying about the rest of the car's electrics.

 

[dvrmstrng 5,000+ posts]

i am also having voltage spikes in the mid to high 15's and its starting to scare me cause i have all stock electrical....whats the best way to fix this?

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Get the alt and voltae regulator checked.

 

[AK SloPok 10+ year member]

I found some "technical" papers citing GM documentation about "smart charging". The idea is that the vehicle will anticipate higher charging demands and charge at a higher rate. Frequently as high or higher than 15.5.

Ever wonder why GMs burn out so many bulbs? They are rated for 12v... not the 15-16 frequently seen post 05.

 

[BoomBoomBoy 10+ year member]

Depends on the amp, but many have overvoltage protection that shuts them down after a certain voltage limit has been surpassed.

 

[AK SloPok 10+ year member]

When speaking to Kicker in the past they said that although they publish a 9-16v operating range they have seen shutdowns on the high side as low as 15.2v.

 

[dvrmstrng 5,000+ posts]

so again i gotta ask, why are voltage dips so common and i see to be getting voltage spikes?