2013 EVIC sub par Voltage guage

[CEppinger]

I hope that FCA has corrected this in the later models. The EVIC voltage guage needs a decimal place! And even worse, if you try to check the voltage with the key/button in the acc position it just shows <8v. This just really rubs me the wrong way!
I have tried to show the real voltage also from the CTS2 and my little USB charger/voltage guage (on the right).

I really do like my truck (well most of it).

Engine running.

Engine off.

 

[AH64ID]

None of the gauges work with the key in acc, and they didn't on my 05 either. Acc is there for windows and stereo, it's whole point is to have as little powered as possible.

Think about it from a Ram standpoint, how many people will actually even look at that gauge.

The voltage gauge doesn't bother me at all, but the fact that oil pressure and temperature are 100% fake is a load of crap.

 

[CEppinger]

The Voltage should have been the easiest to get correct. And without a value after the decimal 14.2 or 14.3 it is next to worthless even when running.
Definitely agree on the oil and temp.

 

[AH64ID]

The Voltage should have been the easiest to get correct. And without a value after the decimal 14.2 or 14.3 it is next to worthless even when running.
Definitely agree on the oil and temp.

Not sure how it’s worthless. 14 while running, or when it drops to a float of 13, tells you that it’s charging just fine. 11-12 while running is a problem.

This isn’t my camper where I need to know the voltage to the .xx for recharge purposes, I just need to know if it’s charging or not.

 

[lpennock]

14v is charging. Less isn't. These truck never drop to float charging. They do temperature compensated bulk charging at 14.7-15.2v.

 

[sag2]

I think your stressing over nothing. If you need to get more accurate use the meter. Otherwise just as stated, 13 or 14 is good, 11 or 12 (or <8) isn't.

 

[AH64ID]

14v is charging. Less isn't. These truck never drop to float charging. They do temperature compensated bulk charging at 14.7-15.2v.

EDIT:

Okay, so I just watched voltage on the CTS during a drive home from the movie theater. The CTS read 14.0-14.1 the whole drive, and the dash read 13 or 14. I could make the dash read 13 by turning on the lights, but the CTS never dipped into the 13's.

So, it might not be a float, but it is a much more appropriate charge voltage for fully charged batteries.

There is a new, not sure what MY it came to be, sensor on the drivers side battery. At first glance it appears to me that it's a shunt, and maybe the ECM is monitoring the amperage required to charge and that's why the voltage is lower.

Either way, I always felt the charge voltage on my 05 was geared towards short trips and not long hours of driving with battery life in mind.

Maybe I'll keep voltage up for a bit on the CTS and see what all it does.

 

[sag2]

It is the Intelligent Battery Sensor.

 

[AH64ID]

It is the Intelligent Battery Sensor.

Nice!

That explains the lower charge voltages. Certainly a good thing, IMHO.