REDARC trigger wire necessary with eTorque?

[slim_pickens]

Hi guys,

I'm gearing up to likely install a REDARC DCDC charger plus an auxiliary battery in my 2022 eTorque Wrangler to support my accessory power needs while camping.

The REDARC charger includes a blue input trigger wire that is ordinarily connected to the vehicle's ignition wire in cases where you have a typical "smart" alternator with varying voltage. However, for fixed-voltage or temperature-compensating alternators, this trigger wire is not meant to be connected to anything.

Does anybody know if the eTorque engines with the belt-starter generator (in place of a traditional alternator) involve varying voltage that would require this trigger wire to be connected?

Thanks in advance.

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[slim_pickens]

No ideas, guys?

 

[lashlee]

I’ve installed a BCDC1240 in a trailer for a customer and did not use the blue wire. His tow rig is a 2018 Colorado ZR2 Diesel that should have one of the variable voltage alternator. I’m not sure you need to connect it, but you could always have it in the back of your mind that you might need to, after you install it. Have you contacted Redarc about your question? I had a few for my particular install and they were great to deal with.

 

[jg45]

The BSG outputs 48V to the etorque battery under the Jeep. There is a DC to DC converter in that battery pack that outputs 12v back to the starting battery and 12V system. I have been monitoring the voltage gauge in my '20 etorque and have seen voltages vary depending on the 12V battery state of charge. I believe that the DC converter acts like a variable voltage alternator.

 

[DavidArmen]

The BSG outputs 48V to the etorque battery under the Jeep. There is a DC to DC converter in that battery pack that outputs 12v back to the starting battery and 12V system. I have been monitoring the voltage gauge in my '20 etorque and have seen voltages vary depending on the 12V battery state of charge. I believe that the DC converter acts like a variable voltage alternator.

I would like to second everything that was stated in this post. The BSG is 48V and the DC-DC converter (which is attached to the lithium-ion battery pack) outputs variable power based on the requirements of the 12V smart charging system.

 

[slim_pickens]

I would like to second everything that was stated in this post. The BSG is 48V and the DC-DC converter (which is attached to the lithium-ion battery pack) outputs variable power based on the requirements of the 12V smart charging system.

Perfect. Thanks for the confirmation here. So dumb question: would there be an ignition wire in the rear of the Jeep eTorque that reflects this varying voltage (to connect to the REDARC) or do I need to connect the REDARC trigger wire to what's coming off the DC-DC converter?

 

[jg45]

I can't say for sure. If it helps, on my '20 2.0L etorque, the charging system usually is over 14V when the vehicle starts and is running unless it has been run within the last hour. Even then, it is in the 13.7V range.

 

[slim_pickens]

So brief update here... my Jeep dealer will only confirm that the BSG on the eTorque does indeed provide variable voltage like a smart alternator. They will not tell me where an ignition wire in the back might be that I can tap into to connect to the REDARC trigger wire.

Any suggestions?

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