Aftermarket alternator?

[THAW]

Correct. It’s plugged into the OBD port. I don’t know where it pulls it’s data from, but the analytical process takes quite a while. Since I don’t understand how automotive computers work, I’m skeptical. On the other hand, the new batteries need to be plugged in most of the time, even when the jeep is driven 30 to 40 minutes three or four days per week, although there is very little parasitic drain (mostly from the Genesis relay, I think).

The Innova 5610 has to be set up to read each vehicle. If it’s set up for, say, a Ford truck, then plugged into the Jeep OBD port, it won’t be able to connect, because it's speaking a different language or looking for different readings. When you properly enter year, make, and model, it asks which engine you have — so it “knew“ it was connected to a 2019 Wrangler with the 3.6, and it cycled through all the vehicle system checks. Maybe it’s just a light show?

I think I’ll give the guys at Genesis a call. I had hoped to upgrade to their new top plate, as the new system has almost zero parasitic drain, but it’s $500, bringing the total genesis and battery cost to about $2100… There is no discount for folks who have been suffering with the original Genesis system for years. (I was hoping there might be a $200 or $250 rebate for returning the old top. They’d still probably be making $150 or $200 on the sale. No such luck, so I’m reluctant to bend over and grab my ankles.)

I assume the Innova 5610 does meaningful testing on some systems, but based on what I've seen of it I'm highly skeptical it is properly assessing your alternator. I believe it doesn't work well with smart alternators, and could have given you a false positive for failure.

JScan is the best DIY way to properly assess the alternator.

A possible option for Genesis gen2 hub replacement: https://www.renogy.com/products/renogy-12v-24v-ip67-50a-dc-dc-battery-charger-with-mppt. It would take some wiring and app configuration.

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[wcjeep]

Could go with Premier Power Welder. Their alternators are Hot rated. Most alternators are cold rated. As Alternators heat up their power output goes down. Meaning Premier Power Welder alternators are very powerful. Have a Premier on my YJ.

https://premierpowerwelder.com/shop...-power-welder/?searchid=30548&search_query=Jl

 

[mwilk012]

Correct. It’s plugged into the OBD port. I don’t know where it pulls it’s data from, but the analytical process takes quite a while. Since I don’t understand how automotive computers work, I’m skeptical. On the other hand, the new batteries need to be plugged in most of the time, even when the jeep is driven 30 to 40 minutes three or four days per week, although there is very little parasitic drain (mostly from the Genesis relay, I think).

The Innova 5610 has to be set up to read each vehicle. If it’s set up for, say, a Ford truck, then plugged into the Jeep OBD port, it won’t be able to connect, because it's speaking a different language or looking for different readings. When you properly enter year, make, and model, it asks which engine you have — so it “knew“ it was connected to a 2019 Wrangler with the 3.6, and it cycled through all the vehicle system checks. Maybe it’s just a light show?

I think I’ll give the guys at Genesis a call. I had hoped to upgrade to their new top plate, as the new system has almost zero parasitic drain, but it’s $500, bringing the total genesis and battery cost to about $2100… There is no discount for folks who have been suffering with the original Genesis system for years. (I was hoping there might be a $200 or $250 rebate for returning the old top. They’d still probably be making $150 or $200 on the sale. No such luck, so I’m reluctant to bend over and grab my ankles.)

How are you measuring parasitic drain?

 

[Whaler27]

How are you measuring parasitic drain?

I took the jeep to a local auto-electric shop. He connected a meter, shut the hood, and waited for the brain (ECU?) to shut down, then read the current draw. I can’t recall the the number, but it was only slightly higher than expected, which he seemed to think was consistent with the drain he’d expect from the Genesis relay. It was a ten minute exercise about two years ago, so I’m fuzzy on the details.

 

[mwilk012]

I took the jeep to a local auto-electric shop. He connected a meter, shut the hood, and waited for the brain (ECU?) to shut down, then read the current draw. I can’t recall the the number, but it was only slightly higher than expected, which he seemed to think was consistent with the drain he’d expect from the Genesis relay. It was a ten minute exercise about two years ago, so I’m fuzzy on the details.

That number is very important, also that was 2 years ago.

 

[Whaler27]

That number is very important, also that was 2 years ago.

Yes on both counts. I’ve done nothing more to the jeep, and I don’t see evidence that the condition has worsened, so I assume I’m in the same boat I was in then. I’m just driving the jeep more without seeing improvement in the rate of battery drain.

If I have the jeep disconnected from the charger for a week because I’m using it every day or every other to run 15-20 mile errand loops, it will charge for almost a full day on a 10 amp Noco charger before transitioning into float status.

Here’s a stupid question: with all the tricky charging/programming parameters, how do you test the alternator function?

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