Silly question time

[Sam Vimes]

I have checked the voltage of my Alternator, using a plug in Voltmeter, and it reads between 14.2 and 14.4 volts , the same as Gaffer bills, no dropping down to 12 volts, so I believe it is NOT a smart Alternator. I tested this over an hour's driving

Engineering speculation on my part but the efficiency of the Smart Alternator system could be affected by the condition of the car battery in terms of capacity and how well it can maintain that.

Since the intent is to have the battery power the electrics whenever possible so that the Smart Alternator can reduce the load on the engine, a battery in poor condition could reduce the time that this can take place.

 

[Hutch]

Engineering speculation on my part but the efficiency of the Smart Alternator system could be affected by the condition of the car battery in terms of capacity and how well it can maintain that.

Since the intent is to have the battery power the electrics whenever possible so that the Smart Alternator can reduce the load on the engine, a battery in poor condition could reduce the time that this can take place.

In my case, the battery is three years old and I have no reason to believe there is any problem with it, I can leave the car for over a week and the battery turns the engine over. Very efficientently.
I have used "tech Rep Google" and found that Hyundai started using Smart Alternators in some car models from 2011, Some SantaFe's had them 110 amp ones but others only started in 2016. 150 amp. Yet again all dependent on where the car was originally destined for.

 

[birdman101]

I had a Santa Fe back in 2011 and that had a Smart Alternator and the only time it would not give out 14.2 volts was when no electrical load on it other than the Radio. Directly any headlights went on straight up to 14.2 volts. I had that car untill2022.