How to Determine if Vehicle Has Smart Alternator for Using REDARC Battery Charger

Updated 04/30/2020 | Published 11/01/2018

Question:

Hello - I just recently purchased the Redarc BCDC 25amp charger and putting plans together for install in my 2013 Toyota 4Runner. A couple questions: - Wiring: based on your experience and for this year/model vehicle, do I need to connect the blue smart alternator wire and if so, where do I connect that wire - directly to the red wire input in the butt splice connector? - Mounting Location: I had originally intended installing this under the hood on an accessory mount I purchased from C4 Fabrication which is just behind the main fuse box on the driver side, but have read best location is away from the engine as much as possible. Is this location ok? I am now thinking about mounting this between the radiator and grill - similar to the long ranger bracket recommendation. Do you all sell mounting brackets of this type or will I need to have one custom made if I go this route? I cant seem to find them in the US. Thanks for the great service and product selection!

asked by: Joe

Helpful Expert Reply:

So smart alternators are one that typically have a lower voltage charge when the vehicle is accelerating and then a drastically higher voltage when the vehicle is coasting. This is a way to minimize the load on the engine when needing the power of the engine and then maximize the load when the vehicle is slowing down. Here's how you determine if you have a smart alternator or not:

1. Locate your main vehicle battery
2. Start the engine, ensuring any fans, radio, lights etc. are turned off.
3. Take a voltage reading across the main vehicle battery
4. Leave running for around 5/10 minutes, then repeat step 3

If your readings are around 14.4V DC then then you most likely have the traditional, non-smart alternator.
If your reading is closer to 12.5-13.5V then it’s likely that you have a smart alternator. A 2013 model most likely would not have a smart alternator.

Keeping the charger away from heat will be your best option. We don't have brackets at this time for your vehicle so you'd have to come up with something.

expert reply by: Jameson C

David

4/29/2020

My alternator seems like it doesnt charge my battery cos when i drove a long distance when i tommrrw start my car it doesnt start it need to be jumped before n i bought battery last year October.