"Smart" Alternator?

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Oct 12, 2019 | 07:24 PM

First Dually

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2017

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"Smart" Alternator?

Do 2017+ Super Duty trucks use a smart alternator (i.e. engine control unit controlled alternator).

I'm particularly interested in what alternator technology is in our dual alternator 2018 F-450 Super Duty.

Oct 12, 2019 | 07:26 PM

Mkos1980

Laughing Gas

Joined: Sep 2018

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I think the pcm controls most if not all alternators nowadays.

Oct 12, 2019 | 07:39 PM

HRTKD

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2015

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From: Wyoming

I can't speak to it being a smart alternator but I read that only one alternator operates at a time in a dual alternator system.

Oct 12, 2019 | 07:54 PM

Section179

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Apr 2018

Posts: 1,502

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I had an alternator issue on my ‘99....

and it’s smart (controlled by the pcm)

so, 20 years later on my 2019 I’d say so...

Oct 12, 2019 | 08:14 PM

Curt's05

Wiser by FTE

Joined: Jan 2010

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They alternate between the 2 under large loads, here's a few photo's after they switched.
I was impressed with both the voltage and amperage at high idle.