Alternator on 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The only mention I have found regarding the Jeep is on Redarc's site that shows 2014 on use a variable voltage alternator, therefore earlier models must use a standard alternator. Note though the Redarc listing has some errors in it.

A simple test will confirm what you have, after car has been garaged overnight, start engine and with the engine at around 1500RPM measure the voltage across the cranking battery terminals and note. Take car for a 30 minute drive and retest.

If charging voltage is more or less the same your vehicle is fitted with a standard alternator. If first reading was around the 14.4V mark with ambient around 25C and second reading was around 13.5V-13.8V you probably have a high temperature compensation alternator fitted. If second reading was below 13.5V ie 12.7V or similar you most likely have an ECU controlled setup.

I have not heard anything about the Jeeps smart charge system if it has one being able to be turned off, I suggest your refer to one of the American Jeep forums for more info.

How exactly does one trickle charge a 3 way fridge??

Yes I have the latest Grand jeep Cherokee and have had this problem also and have had to change the Redarc device on the car to fool the alternator to putting out the max, and I believe a DC charger in the van all works great now.

They say the easiest way is to drive with your headlights on making the alternator put out the maximum but I preferred to fix it right

Cannot help you as to weather it has a function to turn it off.
The auto electrician I used said most new cars now have this sort of alternator so beware if buying a new car to tow your existing setup as your batteries may not charge.

I cannot speak to a Jeep but I do have a Range Rover Sport that does have a smart alternator.

I do not have a secondary battery in the car and have connected an andersen plug in the rear connected directly to the main car battery. My camper has a 110ah battery that runs every thing in the camper including the 3 way when 12v is selected. The camper is plugged into the car andersen plug so when driving the alternator is charging the car battery and the camper battery.

I have had no issues when driving with the camper connected and the 3 way on 12v - fridge worked fine, the camper battery charged and the car systems working fine. The system is smart enough to consider the combined load and adjust accordingly.

Garry

Hi Ben,I would suggest you have a smart alternator in the JC.and would recommend you look on the Redarc site.They have solutions to solve your problem.Piranah also have out a chip to insert into the charging circuit which "confuses"the ECU into producing an extra 0.5volt or so,(which can be significant). From memory it is in the vicinity of $100.You could keep this in mind as an option. Cheers