Maximizing Battery Life

[got3fords]

Relays - (Here are the relays)

Non- Serviceable and integrated into the BJB
The BCM (controls) the time out feature and uses the (Set & Reset) to do it and it is also used for circuit monitoring

To clear things up (Voltmeter)
This is the voltmeter we are referencing - not take a meter (fluke) and test the wires, this is a borrowed pic (not mine) and when I have this meter plugged in and my scan tool hooked up the scan tool as well as (Fluke -Meter Test) at the battery always read (0.1 or 0.2) volts above this reading
So, there is a small amount of voltage drop (load) using this type of meter across the complete circuit - and it appears its coming from the PP Relay

I think what TJC is stating he can take this meter and plug it in another truck and it matches his actual battery voltage - the most logical difference is that the 2005 most likely does not have the relays in the circuit - so a subtle noted voltage drop with this type of meter while plugged into the power point and its only being noted for (hey expect this) and add .2 to this reading.

So I am taking my Fluke, poking it in the 12V accessory outlet, and immediately (within 3 seconds) probing the battery terminals directly. So I guess I am taking the relays out of the equation? The reading is always identical. Is there a difference in which 12V outlet we are probing? Should not matter right?
I also have a similar meter always plugged in to the other outlet. Never bothered to compare that to the Fluke because it might not be a fair comparison.

Sponsored

 

[RangerBill]

Relays - (Here are the relays)

Non- Serviceable and integrated into the BJB
The BCM (controls) the time out feature and uses the (Set & Reset) to do it and it is also used for circuit monitoring

To clear things up (Voltmeter)
This is the voltmeter we are referencing - not take a meter (fluke) and test the wires, this is a borrowed pic (not mine) and when I have this meter plugged in and my scan tool hooked up the scan tool as well as (Fluke -Meter Test) at the battery always read (0.1 or 0.2) volts above this reading
So, there is a small amount of voltage drop (load) using this type of meter across the complete circuit - and it appears its coming from the PP Relay

I think what TJC is stating he can take this meter and plug it in another truck and it matches his actual battery voltage - the most logical difference is that the 2005 most likely does not have the relays in the circuit - so a subtle noted voltage drop with this type of meter while plugged into the power point and its only being noted for (hey expect this) and add .2 to this reading.

I have that exact plug-in meter and I have no difference in volt readings using it at the battery or plugged into the power point or USB charging ports. With all devices unplugged from all the power points and USB charging ports which are fed from the BJB relays, there should be no voltage drop. A voltage drop occurs when current is drawn through a resistance. If there is only the load from the voltmeter, there would be no voltage drop. If you see a drop, then there is a load, possibly from something plugged into one of the power ports or USB charging port.

 

[got3fords]

I have that exact plug-in meter and I have no difference in volt readings using it at the battery or plugged into the power point or USB charging ports. With all devices unplugged from all the power points and USB charging ports which are fed from the BJB relays, there should be no voltage drop. A voltage drop occurs when current is drawn through a resistance. If there is only the load from the voltmeter, there would be no voltage drop. If you see a drop, then there is a load, possibly from something plugged into one of the power ports or USB charging port.

My reasoning exactly.

 

[Ohwell]

I have 4 different voltmeters plus what the dash says in engineering mode, and only one matches the dash reading exactly most of the time. Otherwise, they all read a few hundredths differently. The only way to judge true voltage differences is to use the same meter in all spots. The dash reading only goes to tenths of a volt; the rest all read to hundredths.

 

[TJC]

Nothing plugged into any ports except a thumb drive with my music in a USB port. Years ago I installed the ASS module between the cable and switch. My Amp steps were also installed. None of them should be active with key off or even key on.

 

[airline tech]

Let's phrase it this way to satisfy all:

When using the Power Point as a source for a plug-in voltmeter, you MAY experience a (approximated) voltage drop of 0.2 volts in your reading's vs true battery voltage as we have varied reports of getting true battery voltage reading or slightly under.

The most logical is the accuracy of the meter you are using (brand) as well as the all the interface connections between the fuse box and the Power Point as the cause.

The meter installed here is for convenience of what the charging system is doing and quick monitoring, just like the varied battery testers we have been using - they all vary with accuracy

This was not meant to be a huge debate - only informational note - when connected here you may note a small voltage drop and I have not (as of this post) have actually placed my (Fluke) on this circuit and am only noting that this meter as well as another plug in style I have reads the same - on this note I have another one (USB - Combo) that reads 12.6 volts here, so its internally limiting the voltage to 12.6 volts.

 

[TJC]

I can easily verify my results. It is simple enough to use several meters to check both locations. As I stated previously, I don't question anyone's findings, including my own. I first thought the digital 12V plug in voltage monitor was reading low, so I took it over to my other two autos and ran the same test on both (2005 Ranger and 2023 CX-5). Those two came back with had the same readings at both points using the same tools in both places.... i.e., they showed the same voltage at the battery as the internal 12v ports. Only my 2020 Ranger showed the 0.2v difference. I logically assumed both tools were accurate.

But to satisfy myself and others I'll use just a voltmeter(s) at both locations. I do not expect to see a difference. I'll report back what I discover.

 

[got3fords]

Let's phrase it this way to satisfy all:

When using the Power Point as a source for a plug-in voltmeter, you MAY experience a (approximated) voltage drop of 0.2 volts in your reading's vs true battery voltage as we have varied reports of getting true battery voltage reading or slightly under.

The most logical is the accuracy of the meter you are using (brand) as well as the all the interface connections between the fuse box and the Power Point as the cause.

The meter installed here is for convenience of what the charging system is doing and quick monitoring, just like the varied battery testers we have been using - they all vary with accuracy

This was not meant to be a huge debate - only informational note - when connected here you may note a small voltage drop and I have not (as of this post) have actually placed my (Fluke) on this circuit and am only noting that this meter as well as another plug in style I have reads the same - on this note I have another one (USB - Combo) that reads 12.6 volts here, so its internally limiting the voltage to 12.6 volts.

Is it possible that the plug-in, (cigarette lighter) style meters have a lower impedance than say a Fluke enough to show the 0.2V difference?

 

[got3fords]

I can easily verify my results. It is simple enough to use several meters to check both locations. As I stated previously, I don't question anyone's findings, including my own. I first thought the digital 12V plug in voltage monitor was reading low, so I took it over to my other two autos and ran the same test on both (2005 Ranger and 2023 CX-5). Those two came back with had the same readings at both points using the same tools in both places.... i.e., they showed the same voltage at the battery as the internal 12v ports. Only my 2020 Ranger showed the 0.2v difference. I logically assumed both tools were accurate.

But to satisfy myself and others I'll use just a voltmeter(s) at both locations. I do not expect to see a difference. I'll report back what I discover.

I await your results. How can you accurately compare the readings when you can't actually connect the plug in meter at the battery?

 

[RangerBill]

Is it possible that the plug-in, (cigarette lighter) style meters have a lower impedance than say a Fluke enough to show the 0.2V difference?

It may not be as high impedance as a Fluke meter, but on mine, I see no voltage drop between measuring at the battery and a power port in the dash using the plug-in at both locations. I compared the plug-in voltmeter to my Fluke and they both agreed (plug-in voltmeter read 12.3 volts and the Fluke read 12.28 volts). The plug-in only reads to .1 volts, so it rounded the reading up to the nearest .1 volt. Seems to be accurate.

 

[TJC]

I have that exact plug-in meter and I have no difference in volt readings using it at the battery or plugged into the power point or USB charging ports. With all devices unplugged from all the power points and USB charging ports which are fed from the BJB relays, there should be no voltage drop. A voltage drop occurs when current is drawn through a resistance. If there is only the load from the voltmeter, there would be no voltage drop. If you see a drop, then there is a load, possibly from something plugged into one of the power ports or USB charging port.

Was your engine running when you checked the voltages? The engine was running when I compared them.

 

[TJC]

Is it possible that the plug-in, (cigarette lighter) style meters have a lower impedance than say a Fluke enough to show the 0.2V difference?

Anything is possible. And I suspect their is a simple explanation. I've got 4 or 5 of meters around the house including an IBM one made by Simpson that has to be 45+ years old... from my days repairing everything from Check Sorters (a nightmare) to mainframes, and everything in between.

I just gave my 17 year old granddaughter one of my better ones - she is studying to be an electrician! And she has an aptitude for it! The only girl in her class. I advised her to skip college, and start planning to build and run her own company. She already knows more than most college kids.

 

[RangerBill]

Was your engine running when you checked the voltages? The engine was running when I compared them.

No, it wasn't running when I checked.

 

[got3fords]

I just gave my 17 year old granddaughter one of my better ones - she is studying to be an electrician! And she has an aptitude for it! The only girl in her class. I advised her to skip college, and start planning to build and run her own company. She already knows more than most college kids.

I wish the best for your daughter, sounds like she's on the right track!

 

[TJC]

I wish the best for your daughter, sounds like she's on the right track!

She is doing very well, but my daughter took the kids out of the public school system and has been home schooling them for the last 8 years.

So much corruption, and "group think" going on. They literally were brain washing those kids. They actually made the kids choose their sex in class, and the list was far greater than 2. And they did it in secret.

The young lady is well adjusted, and loves the structure. She is actually learning far more and is well rounded. She is thoughtful, and has been taught critical thinking skills.

She has flexible time and has learned time management skills as a result. She and her brother are 4-5 grade levels above the public school levels. She's been taking college level courses now for 3 years.

Sponsored