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Most cars charge between 13.6 and 14.4 at about 2000 rpm's. At idle, the alternator isnt turning fast enough to really produce much voltage.

So to answer your question, YES, the car can be at 12.8 volts when the car is running, but the car is most likely at idle.

tedd

ridr4lif wrote:Most cars charge between 13.6 and 14.4 at about 2000 rpm's. At idle, the alternator isnt turning fast enough to really produce much voltage.

So to answer your question, YES, the car can be at 12.8 volts when the car is running, but the car is most likely at idle.

tedd

thanks tedd, thats what i thought. So thats directly linked to the concept that my alt. puts out around 100amps at idle and 180amps at 2000rpm.