Alternator Not Charging 2011+ Here's Why

[makuloco2000]

Just wanted to pass this info along as some may be experiencing perceived weak batteries or just want to do the occasional checkup before a long road trip and bam you find the alternator is not charging, don't worry just yet here is why....

 

[makuloco2000]

FYI

If the vehicle battery is replaced, carry out the Battery Monitoring System Reset using the scan tool. If the Battery Monitoring System Reset is not carried out, measurement data collected for the old battery is not deleted and future state of charge measurements will be inaccurate. For example, if an old battery has a state of charge of 60% and the new battery has a state of charge of 90%, the BCM will recognize battery state of charge being 30% lower than it actually is. With the battery state of charge being perceived lower than it actually is causes shedding of loads earlier than is necessary. This also impacts the smart regenerative charge system by causing the battery to be maintained at a higher state of charge than perceived by the BCM, reducing fuel economy benefits.

 

[Fellro]

Is the only way to reset it to use the scan tool? This will be an issue for many if they go to the parts stores that install the batteries for free and such.

 

[makuloco2000]

It will relearn the battery otherwise over time but the battery age is a big part of the charging software strategy though so it will be skewed.