My 2017 Durango V6 has a consistant voltage swing at idle. It will go back and forth between 14.2 and 11.2... it makes the headlights pulse and the the ac blower speed fluctuate quite noticably. Is this normal?
Voltage Swings
AdamC149
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Adam:
The voltage at the battery should not drop below 12 volts engine off for a healthy battery, and not go above 14.5 when running. You may have a battery or alternator issue. The regulator for the alternator is built into the PCM, so there might be an issue there also. If you are still under the 3/36 warranty, or have an extended warranty, I would get to the dealer. If not, load test the battery, and then same for alternator. If both of those are good, then possibly the PCM is damaged.
Don
The voltage at the battery should not drop below 12 volts engine off for a healthy battery, and not go above 14.5 when running. You may have a battery or alternator issue. The regulator for the alternator is built into the PCM, so there might be an issue there also. If you are still under the 3/36 warranty, or have an extended warranty, I would get to the dealer. If not, load test the battery, and then same for alternator. If both of those are good, then possibly the PCM is damaged.
Don
I checked the voltage after having not driven for a few hrs and it was 12.5 at battery. It cranks up without struggle so I feel battery is fine. At any rpm above idle the voltage is a pretty steady 14. Even in neutral same effect. Coming off throttle while coasting to a stop, as soon as it gets down to third gear is starts swinging again.
You could still have a problem with the battery internally. Cell plate loose or some other problem. If battery is 3 years old or more just replace it. Battery should be at 13.2 just sitting, with engine off, if really in good shape. You should see 14.2-14.7 when running. I would start by removing battery cables from battery and making sure that both the battery posts and cable ends are shiny clean where they make contact. Then make sure connections to ground and to the PDC are the same way. Then go into trouble shooting mode.
Are you getting that static reading with engine off on the battery from the dash gauge? If so it's most likely not accurate. Remember if you have the engine off and gauges in accessory mode ACC there's a current draw from other sources that are on with ACC. You need to measure the voltages directly at the battery posts with decent Voltmeter. Have you peeked under the seat to see what the connections at the battery posts look like? Any corrosion?
Readings were taken manually at the battery with my Fluke meter.
I will pull battery and load test it. May even just replace it. Biggest concern of mine was the PCM. I am new to owning this vehicle and was unsure of the parameters in which the PCM actively controls the altenator. I am an ex 15 year 18 wheeler mechanic and only did work under the hood. I can get my way around a vehicle once I understand what I am dealing with. I do appreciate the suggestions and insight.
The type of behavior you describe in your first post relates to bad connections I've seen before in Chrysler vehicles with a PCM controlled field alternator. I've also seen similar with a bad battery particularly an internal break that was intermittent at a battery post. Not saying that's the case here but a possibility. Your battery is only 2 years old but internal shorts/problems cause all sorts of intermittent problems.
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Adam:
The update is appreciated. So, you are saying that a new battery seemed to be the cure until recently. I would have the new battery tested to be sure it has not suffered early failure. Next, the alternator needs the same. Possibly the alternator is doing harm to the battery.
Don
The update is appreciated. So, you are saying that a new battery seemed to be the cure until recently. I would have the new battery tested to be sure it has not suffered early failure. Next, the alternator needs the same. Possibly the alternator is doing harm to the battery.
Don
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I swapped out 4 alternators.. 1st was way back, was recalled after mine went chrysler sent me a check for $900+ about 1yr later. Second time was 3 yrs later, went thru 2 Dura-Shots.... they weren't up to the task low volts, CEL codes all over the place. But ran fine would also get battery light intermittent Put in a denso...Denso is Perfect.....
Hope it helps
Hope it helps
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Hello all
What a great thread lots of info here to read I wanted say I have the same promblems as the gentlemen first posted 2017 Dodge Durango GT as he states it just bounces between 12 to 16 volts and it even flash a warning light to pull over car going to shut down took it to the repair shop and they have to this date have replace the alternator the pmc board both relays under the seat and the battery it runs ok for a few then back to the same thing I CHeck the grounds are on and connected even the one to the alternator and board grrrr I been searching the web on this issue for any thing that would help or what I be missing but I been just ripping more of my hair out trying get to the issue has only 38729 miles on it not like it been beaten if any one knows anything elas I should have them check I would be more happy to go back and see what elas can be done
What a great thread lots of info here to read I wanted say I have the same promblems as the gentlemen first posted 2017 Dodge Durango GT as he states it just bounces between 12 to 16 volts and it even flash a warning light to pull over car going to shut down took it to the repair shop and they have to this date have replace the alternator the pmc board both relays under the seat and the battery it runs ok for a few then back to the same thing I CHeck the grounds are on and connected even the one to the alternator and board grrrr I been searching the web on this issue for any thing that would help or what I be missing but I been just ripping more of my hair out trying get to the issue has only 38729 miles on it not like it been beaten if any one knows anything elas I should have them check I would be more happy to go back and see what elas can be done
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What are the symptoms you having are they like mine
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Greetings trevor and Maddmaxx007,
We do apologize for the trouble. If you are able to work with your local Dodge dealer on this, please let us know. We would be more than happy to escalate a case on your behalf and connect you with a Case Specialist for further support.
Rob
Dodge Cares
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Thanks my shop guys just said still the same problem you drive it for a few and it the same thing again and that with all of what I said they replace new of you can please see if you can get us help and what we need to do
Thanks
Mike
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Please follow up with us via Private Message, Mike. Please know that we request for customers to follow up with us privately in order to ensure the exchange of any private personal information remains confidential. Thank you for your understanding.
Rob
Dodge Cares
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