New guy with alternator/ac fan question

[tnlabguy]

Hey all, bought a 2017 laramie the the 5.7 hemi back in Jan this year. Like the truck but its definitely not the same build quality as my old Tacoma lol. Have had several random issues that I've gotten worked out but haven't been able to figure out if this issues is normal or if im about to have something go out.

Here's what's going on. While idling with the AC blowing, whether sitting at a red light or just sitting in a parking lot, the blower will randomly slow to almost off and when doing that the voltmeter will also drop. Within a couple seconds the voltmeter returns to the normal indication and the blower speeds back up to its setting.

I do have the auto climate control, but its off and I just manually select temp, fan speed, ect.

Is this normal for these trucks or do I have some issue going on?

Thanks for the help!!

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

Use the auto climate, select your temp and then leave it alone. Let the truck function as designed. You have nothing wrong other than Normal cycle of electronics

By using auto the truck will utilize the temp sensor under the driver's dash, see small holes, to determine proper fan speed to achieve desired temp. If you have to manually adjust something adjust the temp up or down. In addition sync the temps so right and left are equal.

Quit being old school and manually setting the system. It will work better be more consistent and RUN less in auto than manual. In addition, READ your ownership manual on how the auto temp controls work. You will be amazed the impact on fuel economy.

I have this argument with my wife all the time, she gets in the truck, turns the fan speed up, complaining about being hot, then 20 minutes later turns the speed down as she cold, then 10 minutes later it's back on high as she sweating, etc.

I get in the same truck, same outside temp, push auto, set temp, and never look at it again. I get comments from her, why does the air work so much better for you, I'm constantly hot or cold. Why do I get 15 mpg and you constantly get 18 or 19?

It's simple, it's easier to maintain a temp or a speed than raise or lower one. I also use cruise, she doesn't so fuel economy is better and I generally drive 10 to 15 over the limit, so time to destination is shorter.

 

[turkeybird56]

Maybe normal maybe not. The blower speeds in auto will fluctuate. But yer alternator output should stay fairly constant. Big bounce up and down radically more than a .1% readout should not occur unless U got something other in there drawing monster power like big amp.

If continues load test battery and alternator. Your voltage regulator may be going bad
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OP has no E Torque, 2017, My Bad...

Also if U got E Torque than that is another can of worms and may require professional diagnosis. But U said alternator so I hope U have straight 5.7 and not E torque.

If E torque equipped, than U need to get MGU tested also and corresponding systems.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
All above IMHO.

 

[tnlabguy]

Maybe normal maybe not. The blower speeds in auto will fluctuate. But yer alternator output should stay fairly constant. Big bounce up and down radically more than a .1% readout should not occur unless U got something other in there drawing monster power like big amp.

If continues load test battery and alternator. Your voltage regulator may be going bad

Also if U got E Torque than that is another can of worms and may require professional diagnosis. But U said alternator so I hope U have straight 5.7 and not E torque.

If E torque equipped, than U need to get MGU tested also and corresponding systems.

All above IMHO.

Thanks, its not the e torque and don't have anything aftermarket installed. I'm going to keep an eye on it. Battery is brand new, it died about 2 weeks after I bought the truck, i know new batteries can have issues too but not super common in my experience. I've also bought a battery/alternator tester. Thanks again

 

[turkeybird56]

Thanks, its not the e torque and don't have anything aftermarket installed. I'm going to keep an eye on it. Battery is brand new, it died about 2 weeks after I bought the truck, i know new batteries can have issues too but not super common in my experience. I've also bought a battery/alternator tester. Thanks again

OKIE.

 

[turkeybird56]

Thanks, its not the e torque and don't have anything aftermarket installed. I'm going to keep an eye on it. Battery is brand new, it died about 2 weeks after I bought the truck, i know new batteries can have issues too but not super common in my experience. I've also bought a battery/alternator tester. Thanks again

DUH, my bad, 2017, no E junkola. SO make sure you check the battery/alternator and load test also, old Boird I is I guess.

Also check all ground points and service if needed and insure cables tight on battery, and tipm junction, etc.,.

 

[wutech]

Use the auto climate, select your temp and then leave it alone. Let the truck function as designed. You have nothing wrong other than Normal cycle of electronics

By using auto the truck will utilize the temp sensor under the driver's dash, see small holes, to determine proper fan speed to achieve desired temp. If you have to manually adjust something adjust the temp up or down. In addition sync the temps so right and left are equal.

Quit being old school and manually setting the system. It will work better be more consistent and RUN less in auto than manual. In addition, READ your ownership manual on how the auto temp controls work. You will be amazed the impact on fuel economy.

I have this argument with my wife all the time, she gets in the truck, turns the fan speed up, complaining about being hot, then 20 minutes later turns the speed down as she cold, then 10 minutes later it's back on high as she sweating, etc.

I get in the same truck, same outside temp, push auto, set temp, and never look at it again. I get comments from her, why does the air work so much better for you, I'm constantly hot or cold. Why do I get 15 mpg and you constantly get 18 or 19?

It's simple, it's easier to maintain a temp or a speed than raise or lower one. I also use cruise, she doesn't so fuel economy is better and I generally drive 10 to 15 over the limit, so time to destination is shorter.

why are you talking about my wife here???

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

why are you talking about my wife here???

They all seem to have the same school of instruction, they all want to fix something vs understand it