Trying understand Charging System
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
2019 530e, 2021 Honda Odyssey, 2022 Toyota Mirai
Trying understand Charging System
I've done my searches and could not find any subject on this.
CPO 2013 GL550 - Battery changed during CPO inspection around 24k mi.
My voltage ranges from 12.5-14.9 on this simple cigarette outlet reader during engine on. The reason why I even checked was because some of my LED interior lights started blinking (which I knew was bc it was under voltage). When the charging system goes back to 14+, I don't have any issues. It seems like the alternator is not always charging, which is a first for me. I've asked the dealership twice, and they always say its a normal thing without actually investigating.
The reason why I'm posting on the forms now is because I just had a Thinkware F770 Dash Cam installed this week. The when the Dash Cam detects voltage dropping from 14.X to 12.X, it thinks the engine turned off which puts the Dash Cam into Parking Mode. It does this over and over during the drive since the charging system is intermittent.
My question to you is, IS THIS REALLY NORMAL?
Thanks in advance!
CPO 2013 GL550 - Battery changed during CPO inspection around 24k mi.
My voltage ranges from 12.5-14.9 on this simple cigarette outlet reader during engine on. The reason why I even checked was because some of my LED interior lights started blinking (which I knew was bc it was under voltage). When the charging system goes back to 14+, I don't have any issues. It seems like the alternator is not always charging, which is a first for me. I've asked the dealership twice, and they always say its a normal thing without actually investigating.
The reason why I'm posting on the forms now is because I just had a Thinkware F770 Dash Cam installed this week. The when the Dash Cam detects voltage dropping from 14.X to 12.X, it thinks the engine turned off which puts the Dash Cam into Parking Mode. It does this over and over during the drive since the charging system is intermittent.
My question to you is, IS THIS REALLY NORMAL?
Thanks in advance!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
Two questions....
1. Did this issue startup Before or After the Dash Cam Install
2. Which "LED cabin lights are "blinking" - are the MB LED interior trim LED light strips blinking OR did you install other LED lights in the cabin and those other LED light's the ones that are blinking ?
Please clarify - thanks !
1. Did this issue startup Before or After the Dash Cam Install
2. Which "LED cabin lights are "blinking" - are the MB LED interior trim LED light strips blinking OR did you install other LED lights in the cabin and those other LED light's the ones that are blinking ?
Please clarify - thanks !
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
2019 530e, 2021 Honda Odyssey, 2022 Toyota Mirai
Thanks for the reply!
1. This was something I noticed since I bought the CPO Nov 2016. I could hear some motor speed fluctuations of the HVAC system every time I applied the brakes. I suspected low electrical power situation, which is why I purchased the voltage gauge. I confirmed by suspicions about the fluctuating voltage but the dealership didn't think anything was wrong...nor could they hear the HVAC systems change in "pitch" every time the car had some electrical load (i.e. Brake lights).
2. The interior lights are aftermarket LED lights. I don't really care so much about this, but I feel like it's an indicator of what's happening with the voltage.
I keep telling myself that it's some method of energy conservation, by shutting down the alternator when the battery is fully charged. I read another thread somewhere that when you have to change your battery under 30k miles, there might be something wrong with the alternator. Probably generalizing but CPO changed it under 30k miles.
Thanks!
1. This was something I noticed since I bought the CPO Nov 2016. I could hear some motor speed fluctuations of the HVAC system every time I applied the brakes. I suspected low electrical power situation, which is why I purchased the voltage gauge. I confirmed by suspicions about the fluctuating voltage but the dealership didn't think anything was wrong...nor could they hear the HVAC systems change in "pitch" every time the car had some electrical load (i.e. Brake lights).
2. The interior lights are aftermarket LED lights. I don't really care so much about this, but I feel like it's an indicator of what's happening with the voltage.
I keep telling myself that it's some method of energy conservation, by shutting down the alternator when the battery is fully charged. I read another thread somewhere that when you have to change your battery under 30k miles, there might be something wrong with the alternator. Probably generalizing but CPO changed it under 30k miles.
Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
My understanding ...
1st - you have aftermarket LED lights that are "flashing" at times - which means means the Canbus sweeping that circuit with the lower resistance in those bulbs are switching on/off.
2nd - where is your dashcam wired into ?
Really - your voltage swing from you car is within "normal" - it your aftermarket bulbs and/or how the camera is wired in - in my mind that's the issue to be addressed
Keep the beat !
1st - you have aftermarket LED lights that are "flashing" at times - which means means the Canbus sweeping that circuit with the lower resistance in those bulbs are switching on/off.
2nd - where is your dashcam wired into ?
Really - your voltage swing from you car is within "normal" - it your aftermarket bulbs and/or how the camera is wired in - in my mind that's the issue to be addressed
Keep the beat !
