When to worry about the battery voltage?

[Jeep Junkie]

It is 14.5, how come it's not in the middle or lower like the rest of the normal stuff?

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[Ev08]

Id say normal - my 21 will read anywhere for 12.6-14.5 as well. I've had both batteries and alternator replaced under warranty. I have added a separate usb / usb c charging port with a volt reader and it lines up within .1 volt of my dash.

 

[chevymitchell]

It is 14.5, how come it's not in the middle or lower like the rest of the normal stuff?

Only time to really worry about it is when it's below 12 - 12.5v while running. It's digitally controlled and not just solid state like older regulators. It'll fluctuate based on many different load factors. Nothing to worry about.

 

[etoften]

Yep. Normal for about any vehicle. Below 12.4 means you have way more coming out than going in. Above 14.6 and your cooking the battery.

 

[Jeep Junkie]

Thanks Jeepers

 

[UTME]

Only time to worry is when the Jeep doesn’t start. Actually early warning signs were aux switches not available message.

Just replaced my main battery with 4-yr AGM battery from Walmart. Easy install.

The mopar battery didn’t last 2 years. Didn’t waste my time with warranty to get another crappy battery from the dealer.

The voltage fluctuates from 12.5 - 14.2 V. Higher value when coasting down a hill.

 

[etoften]

Only time to worry is when the Jeep doesn’t start.

I respectfully disagree.

A volt meter is there to help determine a problem exists. Same as a fuel gauge or oil pressure gauge. If your fuel gauge says E you are going to stop and get fuel not keep going because the engine is still running. Same as an oil pressure gauge. You wouldn't keep driving on 6 pounds of oil pressure without getting it looked at. Ignoring any of those gauges is a guarantee to get stranded when you have a choice not to.

Now I am not saying go buy a battery just cause your gauge us off. But if your meter constantly shows below 12.4 or above 14.5 you should get it looked at. At that point it isn't if but when you are going to be stranded. Then you shouldn't be mad at the battery that failed or Mopar for specifying junk parts, but yourself for ignoring it. Same as you wouldn't blame the fuel pump for running out of fuel.

 

[Mocopo]

Actually early warning signs were aux switches not available

I'm getting the aux switch message now. I keep trying to determine if I should just get a new battery now, or continue waiting for it to die on me, since it could still be months before it goes out. i know the right answer... I'm just lazy...

 

[UTME]

With new battery 14.3 V. Note that I only run on the main battery. The ESS has been disabled, and the aux battery has been disconnected.

 

[Mguy]

It is 14.5, how come it's not in the middle or lower like the rest of the normal stuff?

This thread has good information (with some bad) about the so called "battery voltage" reading on alternator equipped JLs, and touches upon readings with other JL models. Generally, the thread's bad information relates to common misunderstandings and is corrected.

 

[Jeep Wick]

It is 14.5, how come it's not in the middle or lower like the rest of the normal stuff?

My battery died 3 years to the day from when it was built. Take this for what you will. I replaced it with a superior AGM battery.

 

[Jeep Junkie]

Guys, what if it is a little over 14.5? Today mine showed 14.6 🫣

 

[jav_eee]

Mine shows 14.6 often ever since I put it in almost a year ago. Don’t worry about it.

 

[Jeep Junkie]

Mine shows 14.6 often ever since I put it in almost a year ago. Don’t worry about it.

 

[THAW]

Get JScan so you can see more than dash voltage, especially SOC.

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