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Delayed charging

Ahsai
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Ahsai Member

Ahsai

Posted
Posted

'02 996. Alternator does not start charging until ~4 seconds after the engine fired up. Warm or cold, SAI pump running or not. Makes no difference.

Once it starts charging, it stays at good level 13.5~14.1v whenever the engine is running. Drive belt is not slipping. No warning lights or CEL. No codes from Durametric.

 

I noticed this behavior on the voltmeter in the dash and also verified the same from the cigarette lighter.

 

I know that some Bosch alternators have a soft-start feature where charging will be delayed up to 14s (to reduce alternator load impact immediately after start up) but AFAIK, our stock alternators don't have such fancy feature. I wonder if the regulator was replaced with one having such feature. Other than that I can't explain it. Anyone experienced this?

Ahsai Member

Ahsai

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Looks like stock and even original to me. This is the best pic I have. Let me check with the previous owner for more info. Thanks, John.

 

 

IMG_3682.JPG

Edited by Ahsai
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JFP in PA Member

JFP in PA

Posted
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Posted

It is entirely possible that someone retrofitted the alternator with a voltage regulator from another brand using  the soft start feature.  These regulators are common to VW, MB, Audi, and even some Ford models, so they could have sourced a regulator not knowing the feature. Several of these brands advertise this feature, as does Denso who is big in aftermarket replacements.  Realistically, it really should not bother anything.

Ahsai Member

Ahsai

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Yeah, that's what I tend to believe now. Won't be sure unless I remove the regulator and inspect it. I don't think I have any problem like you alluded to. I'm just curious because the soft start I saw (e.g,. on BMWs) is more like 10s+ delay and not just 4s.

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JFP in PA Member

JFP in PA

Posted
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Posted

Well, with the advent of engines shutting off at every traffic light, brands like Audi, MB, and Volvo added this to their alternators in the voltage regulator section.  I really don't have a feel for how long the delay runs, but I know several of them use it. 

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