Charging system

[Leone1662]

Just bought a 2018 2500 Silverado noticed voltage gauge is down at 12.5 while driving and will just sit there until I turn on headlights. I know this is a new system but how is it ok to run the truck on 12.5 then charge only when needed. Doesn’t this shorten the life of the battery. Or is it supposed to fluctuate from 13 to 14 and I’m having and issue. 

[SierraHD17]

GM has been doing this since at least 2007 with half tons and it's on the HD's now.  Nothing wrong with running the battery at rated voltage. It's nothing new.

[redwngr]

These trucks do not use traditional/old school alternator with voltage sensing charging systems. 
As much info as the ECM must have to do what is described, it seems likely that a fault in either alternator would result in a message.

 

 

This is a little of GM's info on this system as presented in the upfitter guides:

Charging System Description and Operation 

Electrical Power Management Overview

The electrical power management system is designed to monitor and control the charging system and send diagnostic messages to alert the driver of possible problems with the battery and generator. This electrical power management system primarily utilizes existing on-board computer capability to maximize the effectiveness of the generator, to manage the load, improve battery state-of-charge and life, and minimize the system's impact on fuel economy. The electrical power management system performs 3 functions:
• It monitors the battery voltage and estimates the battery condition.
• It takes corrective actions by boosting idle speeds, and adjusting the regulated voltage.
• It performs diagnostics and driver notification. 

The battery condition is estimated during ignition-off and during ignition-on. During ignition-off the state-of-charge of the battery is determined by measuring the open-circuit voltage. The state-of-charge is a function of the acid concentration and the internal resistance of the battery, and is estimated by reading the battery open circuit voltage when the battery has been at rest for several hours.
The state-of-charge can be used as a diagnostic tool to tell the customer or the dealer the condition of the battery. Throughout ignition-on, the algorithm continuously estimates state-of-charge based on adjusted net amp hours, battery capacity, initial state-of-charge, and temperature.

While running, the battery degree of discharge is primarily determined by a battery current sensor, which is integrated to obtain net amp hours.

In addition, the electrical power management function is designed to perform regulated voltage control to improve battery state-of-charge, battery life, and fuel economy. This is accomplished by using knowledge of the battery state-of-charge and temperature to set the charging voltage to an optimum battery voltage level for recharging without detriment to battery life.

The Charging System Description and Operation is divided into 3 sections. 

The first section describes the charging system components and their integration into the electrical power management. 
The second section describes charging system operation. 
The third section describes the instrument panel cluster operation of the charge indicator, driver information center messages, and voltmeter operation.

Charging System Components

Generator

The generator is a serviceable component. If there is a diagnosed failure of the generator it must be replaced as an assembly. The engine drive belt drives the generator. When the rotor is spun it induces an alternating current (AC) into the stator windings. The
AC voltage is then sent through a series of diodes for rectification. The rectified voltage has been converted into a direct current (DC) for use by the vehicles electrical system to maintain electrical loads and the battery charge. The voltage regulator integral to the generator controls the output of the generator. It is not serviceable. The voltage regulator controls the amount of current provided to the rotor. If the generator has field control circuit failure, the generator defaults to an output voltage of 13.8 V.

Body Control Module (BCM)

The body control module (BCM) is a GMLAN device.
It communicates with the engine control module (ECM) and the instrument panel cluster for electrical power management (electrical power management) operation.
The BCM determines the output of the generator and sends the information to the ECM for control of the generator turn on signal circuit. 
It monitors the generator field duty cycle signal circuit information sent from the ECM for control of the generator. 
It monitors a battery current sensor, the battery positive voltage circuit, and estimated battery temperature to determine battery state of charge. The BCM performs idle boost.

Battery Current Sensor

The battery current sensor is a serviceable component that is connected to either the negative or positive battery cable at the battery. 
The battery current sensor is a 3-wire hall effect current sensor. The battery current sensor monitors the battery current. 
It directly inputs to the BCM. It creates a 5-volt pulse width modulation (PWM) signal of 128 Hz with a duty cycle of 0–100 percent. 
Normal duty cycle is between 5– 95 percent. 
Between 0–5 percent and 95–100 percent are for diagnostic purposes.

Engine Control Module (ECM)

When the engine is running, the generator turn-on signal is sent to the generator from the ECM, turning on the regulator. The generator's voltage regulator controls current to the rotor, thereby controlling the output voltage. The rotor current is proportional to the electrical pulse width supplied by the regulator. When the engine is started, the regulator senses generator rotation by detecting AC voltage at the stator through an internal wire. Once the engine is running, the regulator varies the field current by controlling the pulse width. This regulates the generator output voltage for proper battery charging and electrical system operation. The generator field duty terminal is connected internally to the voltage regulator and externally to the ECM. When the voltage regulator detects a charging system problem, it grounds this
circuit to signal the ECM that a problem exists. The ECM monitors the generator field duty cycle signal circuit, and receives control decisions based on information from the BCM.

Instrument Panel Cluster

The instrument panel cluster provides the customer notification in case a concern with the charging system.
There are 2 means of notification, a charge indicator and a driver information center message of SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM if equipped. 

Charging System Operation

The purpose of the charging system is to maintain the battery charge and vehicle loads. 

There are 6 modes of operation and they include:
• Battery Sulfation Mode
• Charge Mode
• Fuel Economy Mode
• Headlamp Mode
• Start Up Mode
• Voltage Reduction Mode

The engine control module (ECM) controls the generator through the generator turn ON signal circuit.
The ECM monitors the generator performance though the generator field duty cycle signal circuit. 
The signal is a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal of 128 Hz with a duty cycle of 0–100 percent. 
Normal duty cycle is between 5–95 percent. 
Between 0–5 percent and 95– 100 percent are for diagnostic purposes. 

The following table shows the commanded duty cycle and output voltage of the generator:

Commanded Duty Cycle Generator Output Voltage
10% 11 V
20% 11.56 V
30% 12.12 V
40% 12.68 V
50% 13.25 V
60% 13.81 V
70% 14.37 V
80% 14.94 V
90% 15.5 V

The generator provides a feedback signal of the generator voltage output through the generator field duty cycle signal circuit to the ECM.
This information is sent to the body control module (BCM). 
The signal is PWM signal of 128 Hz with a duty cycle of 0– 100 percent. Normal duty cycle is between 5– 99 percent. 
Between 0–5 percent and 100 percent are for diagnostic purposes.

Battery Sulfation Mode

The BCM will enter this mode when the interpreted generator output voltage is less than 13.2 V for 45 minutes. 
When this condition exists the BCM will enter Charge Mode for 2–3 minutes. 
The BCM will then determine which mode to enter depending on voltage requirements. 

Charge Mode

The BCM will enter Charge Mode when ever one of the following conditions are met.
• The wipers are ON for more than 3 seconds.
• GMLAN (Climate Control Voltage Boost Mode Request) is true, as sensed by the HVAC control head. High speed cooling fan, rear defogger and HVAC high speed blower operation can cause the BCM to enter the Charge Mode.
• The estimated battery temperature is less than 0° C (32°F).
• Battery State of Charge is less than 80 percent.
• Vehicle speed is greater than 145 km/h (90 mph)
• Current sensor fault exists.
• System voltage was determined to be below 12.56 V

When any one of these conditions is met, the system will set targeted generator output voltage to a charging voltage between 13.9–15.5 V, depending on the battery state of charge and estimated battery temperature.

Fuel Economy Mode

The BCM will enter Fuel Economy Mode when the estimated battery temperature is at least 0°C (32°F) but less than or equal to 80°C (176°F), the calculated battery current is less than 15 amperes and greater than −8 amperes, and the battery state-of-charge is greater than or equal to 80 percent. Its targeted
generator output voltage is the open circuit voltage of the battery and can be between 12.5–13.1 V. 
The BCM will exit this mode and enter Charge Mode when any of the conditions described above are present.

Headlamp Mode

The BCM will enter Headlamp Mode when ever the headlamps are ON (high or low beams). Voltage will be regulated between 13.9–14.5 V.

Start Up Mode

When the engine is started the BCM sets a targeted generator output voltage of 14.5 V for 30 seconds.

Voltage Reduction Mode

The BCM will enter Voltage Reduction Mode when the calculated ambient air temperature is above 0°C (32° F). The calculated battery current is less than 1 ampere and greater than −7 amperes, and the generator field duty cycle is less than 99 percent. Its targeted generator output voltage is 12.9 V. The BCM will exit this mode once the criteria are met for Charge Mode.

Instrument Panel Cluster Operation

Charge Indicator Operation
The instrument panel cluster illuminates the charge indicator and displays a warning message in the driver information center if equipped, when the one or more of the following occurs:
• The engine control module (ECM) detects that the generator output is less than 11 V or greater than 16 V. The instrument panel cluster receives a GMLAN message from the ECM requesting illumination.
• The instrument panel cluster determines that the system voltage is less than 11 V or greater than 16 V for more than 30 seconds. The instrument panel cluster receives a GMLAN message from the body control module (BCM) indicating there is a system voltage range concern.
• The instrument panel cluster performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.
Display Message: BATTERY NOT CHARGING SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM or SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM
The BCM and the ECM will send a serial data message to the driver information center for the BATTERY NOT CHARGING SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM or SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM message to be displayed. It is commanded ON when a charging system DTC is a current DTC. The message is turned
OFF when the conditions for clearing the DTC have been met.

[Leone1662]

Thank you that helps just odd that my 16 2500 never did this it stayed at 14v consistent 

[redwngr]

Voltage on my current truck varied a lot more when it was new than it does now.

[Leone1662]

Where does your voltage stay most of the time 12.5, 13.2, 14, 14.5? Which one? This will be my last question lol

[SierraHD17]

Mine stayed pinned most of the winter approaching 16 volts.  In summer it varies.  

[sdeeter19555]

I view mine through another gauge...it varies as well. The highest I've seen is 15.2vdc, the lowest is 13.8vdc. Most of the time it's between 14.2 and 14.7vdc.

2012 2500hd 6.0l CCSB 4wd

[SierraHD17]

Yeah I use my radar detector for voltage.. highest is 15.8 and lowest is 12.5.  Spends most of its life overcharging at 15.8.

[redwngr]

19 hours ago, Leone1662 said:

Where does your voltage stay most of the time 12.5, 13.2, 14, 14.5? Which one? This will be my last question lol

Me?

Now, mine is straight up and down (or slightly less) most of the time - which is 14 on the Denali video screen.

 

[Leone1662]

During the day mine stays at 12.5 then at night with lights on is 14

[Leone1662]

Update 2018 Silverado 2500 LT 1,300 miles

 

trucks back at dealer due to voltage staying at 12.5volts steady. They finally say that it is not normal. They replaced the alternator (why idk bcm controls voltage output) and didn’t fix the problem. Now they are calling a gm tech for assistance supposedly. 

Also drove another 2018 2500 Silverado that was at the dealer for 30miles and voltage fluctuated between 13.5 and 14.2 (scantool was on as I was driving to make sure gauge was accurate) never once dropped below 13.5. Anyone have same issues or voltage stays above 13volts

[DaBomb6988]

It’s normal. I think it helps save the battery by not constantly “over” charging the battery. I had a 2011 2500 Sierra with a plow and it had the original battery when I traded it in 6mths ago. Never had a plow truck battery last 7+ yrs.

My 2017 Silverado 2500 the gauge was about 14v all winter and stays about 12.5 unless the lights are on.

If you want it to be 14v turn your lights on.


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[crankman]

As everyone said its normal my 2008 1500 does it as well as my 2015 2500. I dont pay a lot of attention to it anyway, you will get used to it. Unless your headlights are dimming or something of that nature your alternator is fine. 

[jwstewar]

Our 2008 Suburban will run at 12.5 most of the time during the day after the battery has "recharged" from starting.