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voltage drop when load is applied with HO alternator


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well, when a window motor starts (any electric motor for that matter) you'll get a surge as the motor starts. Not to mention that I'm sure that the BMW didn't go overkill on the normal internal wiring...

Can you measure at the alt and verify?

Already checked it few times.

I don't want to risk amplifier to see If I will have voltage drop if I put one in.

just because you're at 2k rpm you're alternator isn't always supplying 260a like you said....only when needed I thought?

That's what I'm trying to clarify.

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You're seeing voltage drop all at the cig lighter, alternator and the back battery?

Voltage drop at the cig lighter is probable as its wiring and that going to the window is most likely minimal.

A normal user isn't going to notice or care about a lost volt when they use their windows.

I wouldn't expect to see any voltage drop though at the alt or the battery, especially at 2k rpm.

Everything I've researched on my car says that there is no PCM on the alternator, its always on.

I wasn't able to test it much though as I went straight to a HO Mechman with an external Vreg.

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You could go to a parts store and have them put their tester on it, with the H.O alt theoretically the voltage shouldn't drop a ton but it's just a thought, or find a buddy that has one of those 100 amp hand held battery testers to put a load on the alt and watch the voltage

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When you have everything on (a/c, radio,light) and use the window, does it just drop to 13.4, or has it dropped lower? Maybe that is as low as the ECM will let it drop, and in that case, you should be good. Even if you add an amp, it might not go lower since you have the electrical beefed up. I wouldn't worry unless it dropped into the 12s.

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So you are seeing voltage drop at both the alternator and the back battery by just using the window??

If so you have faulty equipment or a bad / corroded connection that is causing system-wide voltage drop.

With an HO alt and a big battery, power windows should not affect your overall voltage.

Now if you're checking voltage at one of the window motors then it could have some drop there due to smaller factory wiring.

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It would make sense to see a quick voltage drop due to the stock electrical being small ( 16gauge wire).

I will re-check voltage at alternator and in the back where battery is with 0gauge wire run.

One other thing, so does alternator put out 260A@2k rpms? Constant 260A to the battery or only when it requires the 260A??

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The draw has to be there for the output to be supplied. With everything off, there's infinite resistance and nothing to pull current. At 2k RPM, the current should be available but just needs something to draw it.

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Positive probe to your alt charging post, negative probe to alt casing. Then measure your voltage drop with a multi meter.

Throw an amp in there, put a non-stock load on it and see how the alt reacts.

Who makes your alt?

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