10-16-2020, 04:07 AM
|
#1
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bergenfield NJ.
Posts: 2,606
Real Name: Greg
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bergenfield NJ.
Posts: 2,606
Real Name: Greg
|
Raising the Alternator's voltage to properly feed your AGM Battery!
Hello Tech-team!
(My apologies for the poor IMG urls; I've had to avoid "Photo-Bucket" and try IMG-BB today)!
I recently did Another mod to my L.E. that I thought may interest some of you, particularly if you're using an AGM Battery! An AGM (I recently learned), will need a regular system charge of "no less than 14.50V feed" for it to provide a FULL rated CCA output. If it doesn't receive it's required feed source at 14.5V, it's life span is 'mildly' diminished, and may not be capable of some of these "Off-road" travels e.g. night time lighting, a fridge, TV...etc, as it was purchased to do; it might, but you may be surprised/(disappointed)!
Now I just did this mod tonight (10/15/20), but I am impressed at the results! My concern was that the voltage may be "TOO HIGH"; an do harm to the can-BUS system, or even the processors that enable these Gen-5's to be road worthy! Okay, what this mod is, is adding a resistor (Diode) to the Alternator's feed-back sensor circuit, at the 7.5A S (for sensor) fuse, in the Engine Room relay/fuse-box! I watched "The Lion's Share" of you-tube videos on the subject before I decided to consider it, but once I was satisfied, that was it!
You don't need to have a HIGH OUTPUT Alternator; the factory unit will do just fine! And the best part is that this mod only set me back... $7.00 bucks, including S&H; I'll leave the ebay url down below, as well as the "How To" video, for your convenience! This time I remembered to snap a couple of pics of the NEW fuse and the Diode Arrow pointing in the right direction! So you can do this voltage increase with you stock alternator, or if you're using a High Output unit like I am; the end result will be the same; just a lil' more voltage (NOT MORE AMPERAGE), follow(?)!
The only mistake the tutorial giver made, was he thought that the resistor tricks' the ECU into feeding or exciting the charging system to increasing the voltage. But that's not what's happening! The resistor is in the fuse that's in the alternator feed-back sensor circuit! So the resistor reduces the voltage source that feeds the alternator's sensor/exciter circuit, causing it to believe that the voltage regulator needs to be adjusted because voltage is low;
so it increases the voltage about 2/3'rds of a volt! My voltage from my 270-XP was ALWAYS sitting at 14.01V (the .01 = 100'ths of a volt), but now it sits at 14.62V! If I needed more voltage, I could very easily run two of the same Diodes in series, causing the voltage regulator to increase it's output to meet the "perceived" voltage output shortage, but I don't need to push the envelope; just wanna meet the tough demands of the Odyssey AGM battery!
Click to view image Diode-in-proper-direction — ImgBB14.62 volt image
14-62-volts — ImgBB /bHSg1Jw14-62-volts — ImgBB[/url]/bHSg1Jw[/url] Click url to view image
Click url to view image (see pink arrow) main-fuse-box-arrangement — ImgBB
Please see the ebay url link below for shipping and handling details:
New Genuine GMC (S)Diode 12135037 / 12135037 OEM | eBay
'Best to you',
rig, cheers!
Please view You-Tube video below:
4Runner Voltage Booster Fuse for Under $10 to Properly Charge Your AGM Battery. - YouTube
__________________
2012 Limited (in bliz) Black leather interior.
Commercial hvac diagnostics/electrical specialist (Steamfitters Journeyman Local 475)
Last edited by rigtec; 10-16-2020 at 06:46 PM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-16-2020, 07:56 AM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,305
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,305
|
It is important, and there's a 24 page discussion about it already in this thread:
"Voltage Booster" for 31M AGM Battery
Also that "no less than 14.50V feed" is not universally true, be sure to check the stats for your particular battery.
for example my AGM which was made by DEKA requires 13.80V to 14.60V @ 77 F and adjusted 18mV per every 1.8 F (add voltage for temps colder than 77, subtract for temps above 77)
AGMs will in general all require a higher voltage, but the proper charging voltage will depend on the battery you pick
Last edited by jhguth; 10-16-2020 at 08:01 AM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-16-2020, 11:16 AM
|
#3
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 1,226
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 1,226
|
I've seen first hand multiple cases where voltage boosters have caused electrical issues including problems on the trail. No thanks, get a battery that your alternator can charge or in the case where you are running a secondary AGM battery (like me) use a proper DC to DC charger.
__________________
'12 Silver 4Runner SR5: 14+ facelift, CBI front, CBI Rear, Warn EVO 10-S, ARB Snorkel, Baja Designs 30" S8, Squadron Sports, S2 Rack Lights, King 2.5 Suspension, OME 899, 33" Cooper ST Maxx, Full CBI Skids, Metaltech Sliders, GFC Tent, ARB Awning
Xtremluck's 2012 SR5 Build Thread
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-16-2020, 11:41 AM
|
#4
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: I. E. So. Cal
Posts: 1,162
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: I. E. So. Cal
Posts: 1,162
|
Keep in mind that you no longer have fuse protection in that alternator circuit. That diode is not a fuse.
That diode may fail open at some point, but I have no idea of how many amps.
Last edited by delloro; 10-16-2020 at 02:51 PM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-16-2020, 12:22 PM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Utah
Posts: 1,355
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Utah
Posts: 1,355
|
Just keep in mind that any higher voltage will shorten the life of the light bulbs, although 2/3 volt won't make a big difference.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-16-2020, 12:54 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,305
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,305
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xtremluck
I've seen first hand multiple cases where voltage boosters have caused electrical issues including problems on the trail. No thanks, get a battery that your alternator can charge or in the case where you are running a secondary AGM battery (like me) use a proper DC to DC charger.
|
just keep replacement fuses in the glovebox, changing the alternator won't increase the voltage
Quote:
Originally Posted by fkheath
Just keep in mind that any higher voltage will shorten the life of the light bulbs, although 2/3 volt won't make a big difference.
|
increasing the 4Runner's voltage puts it inline with other vehicle, it has a fairly low voltage as stock compared to other vehicles. the voltage change is negligible
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-16-2020, 06:36 PM
|
#7
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bergenfield NJ.
Posts: 2,606
Real Name: Greg
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bergenfield NJ.
Posts: 2,606
Real Name: Greg
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by delloro
Keep in mind that you no longer have fuse protection in that alternator circuit. That diode is not a fuse.
That diode may fail open at some point, but I have no idea of how many amps.
|
Hi delloro,
Just remember that no Actual Current is drawn through the alternator 'feed-back' sensor circuit; provided that the wiring isn't harmed or cut! And diodes DO have a "Must-Trip" Amperage rating 'by design' (usually listed on the nomenclature tag), so it can behave much like a fuse, IF... too much current is allowed to pass through it! Thanks for the thoughtful feed back delloro,
'Best to you',
rig, cheers!
__________________
2012 Limited (in bliz) Black leather interior.
Commercial hvac diagnostics/electrical specialist (Steamfitters Journeyman Local 475)
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-18-2020, 12:28 AM
|
#8
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Centennial, Co
Posts: 74
|
|
Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Centennial, Co
Posts: 74
|
Arclights makes a drop in voltage booster just for this. He has a 3 stage switch you can set the amount of boost you would like and it still retains the fuse in his chip. But its if you want to spend 7 dollars to 60 bux. This post is perfect timing for me because i just ordered the interstate agm battery from costco. My oem panasonic battery just died last night.
Triple State Voltage Booster - 5th Gen 4Runner — ArcLightLEDs
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-18-2020, 01:36 AM
|
#9
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: san diego
Posts: 3,188
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: san diego
Posts: 3,188
|
this thread feels like de ja vu...
__________________
2016 trail 4runner, twin locked on 34's.
Can read more of my build here (2 parts):
https://www.lasfit.com/blogs/news/ho...ad-build-part1
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-18-2020, 02:41 AM
|
#10
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Posts: 389
|
|
Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Posts: 389
|
I did this "mod" about 5 months ago. Havent had any issues whatsoever.
__________________
2014 4Runner TE w/KDSS. Fox 2.5 FRS/2.0 w/ Toytec Superflex. 285 WILDPEAK M/T. SSO Slimline w/ Stage 2. Smittybilt X20 10K. Shrockworks Sliders. SP-9100. VIAIR 444C On-Board Air. Sprint Booster. DD SS3. BD LP4. Rigid Ditch.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-18-2020, 10:00 AM
|
#11
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 199
|
|
Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 199
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by nerfkhat
Arclights makes a drop in voltage booster just for this. He has a 3 stage switch you can set the amount of boost you would like and it still retains the fuse in his chip. But its if you want to spend 7 dollars to 60 bux. This post is perfect timing for me because i just ordered the interstate agm battery from costco. My oem panasonic battery just died last night.
Triple State Voltage Booster - 5th Gen 4Runner — ArcLightLEDs
|
I really like this product. Have been using it for a few months and like the fact that it accommodates the factory fuse and allows you to bypass the diodes and run it in stock setting without removing the device is a really good feature. I don't deep cycle my AGM but its good to know that if I needed to, I wouldn't have to drag out a AC-DC charger in order to get it back to close to full charge.
__________________
2019 TRD Off Road| 285x70xR17 Falken WP AT3W| Dobinson C59-314/GS59-700 & C59-505/GS59-701| Total Chaos UCA| RCI front skid plate (steel)| C4 Fab. Low Pro. Bumper| Extreme LED Light Bar (bumper)| Baja Designs Squadron Sport Fog Lights (Amber)| Bud Built Ultimate Rock Sliders| Front Runner slimline II full-size Roof Rack with Wind Fairing| C4 Fab Summit Hatch Ladder| ARB CKMA12 Air Compressor| Xenon Depot HID Low Beam Head Lights|Renogy-20 Amp DC-DC Charger|Battle Born LiFePO4 Auxiliary Battery| Goose Gear rear drawer system (8")|National Luna 52L Legacy Fridge/Freezer| Alu-Cab tilting fridge slide (Small/Medium)| ROAM Adventure 8' Awning
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-18-2020, 11:29 AM
|
#12
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Oregon
Age: 60
Posts: 1,559
Real Name: Neal
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Oregon
Age: 60
Posts: 1,559
Real Name: Neal
|
This thread should be merged into the other one since it's basically a duplicate.
FYI, I've been running the archlightled booster since April of 2019.
I've also been running all 3 of his interior LED light products just as long and can't recommend them enough. All 4 items are excellent quality products that I wouldn't want to live without.
I have an XP270 alternator feeding a group 31M AND group 65M Northstar AGM's.
In the last 19 months, the T4R has been used multiple ways, hunting, fishing, camping, on the trails, daily driver, pulling a trailer and it sometimes sits 2 weeks at at time with no usage at all. it starts right up EVERYTIME. No electrical issues of any kind that I can recall.
19 Months....ZERO issues.
Of course now that I have mentioned this out loud.......I need to knock on wood. I'm getting ready to head out for another trip next week
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-18-2020, 07:41 PM
|
#13
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Lake Havasu, AZ
Posts: 2,795
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Lake Havasu, AZ
Posts: 2,795
|
I have had my Odyssey battery for 4 years with zero mods and zero issues. In my opinion no mods are needed.
__________________
2014 4Runner Limited Barcelona Red, RCI gas tank skid plate, 275/70/17 BFG KO2 all terrains on SR5 wheels for off road use stock 20s for highway
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-19-2020, 09:50 AM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,305
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,305
|
they void the warranty if you don't have proper charging voltage for a reason, you just haven't had any problems yet (or the problems aren't noticeable yet). It also helps that you are in a climate where you actually may have sufficient charging voltage for parts of the year when you factor in temperature compensation.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-19-2020, 04:25 PM
|
#15
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 265
Real Name: Kirk
|
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 265
Real Name: Kirk
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xtremluck
I've seen first hand multiple cases where voltage boosters have caused electrical issues including problems on the trail. No thanks, get a battery that your alternator can charge or in the case where you are running a secondary AGM battery (like me) use a proper DC to DC charger.
|
THIS!!^^
DONT go cheap on electrical...the 4runner you save may be yours!
__________________
REMEMBER: Birth control prevents Mini-vans...
2019 TRD PRO: Victory 4x4 Blitz bumper & sliders, Smittybilt 12K, Factor 55, Bubba Rope, Van Beest, C4 Fab, Power Tank, Xenon Depot, Cali Raised LED, ARB, SPC UCA's, Rad Rubber, REDARC, StrongBox, TRD Pro front coils, CE Auto Elect., Blue Sea, SDHQ/SP9100, Cornfed, RCI skids, BajaRack "basket", Revolution Gear 4.88's, Dobinsons 300lb over stock rear springs. DrawTight Class IV frame mounted hitch, Method Racing 703 Bead grip.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
|