12 volt anomoly

[DonnaB]

We have noticed this behavior and it has been going on for a "while"....month or more. No alarms, just happens and we don't know if it is something to be concerned about or perhaps has good explanation.

When you first start up the engine....2 maybe 3 times at a slow or a fast idle, the charge rate on the analog meter and on the VMSpc display will go from 13.9, 14.0 or so to 12.1 for a second or so then will come right back up again. It will do this 2 to 3 times in the time that it takes the air suspension to air up....so maybe once a minute. Typically while this is happening, the jacks are retracting also (i.e., have already stored, gotten travel light and started engine and hit store again).

This is consistent behavior and does it every time we start up, but never see this behavior at any other time while driving. Have wondered if this could be from the BIRD since we might have been sitting for a week...or should we be concerned about something else.

Just wondering if others have noticed this too or.....we just don't know if we should have concern or not worry about it. Thanks a bunch up front.

[Norm Payne]

That is normal. The heating element for the engine air intake uses a lot of power so the 12 volts drops. It will turn off and back on a couple of times (depends on temperature) until the engine temperature rises.

[DonnaB]

Thanks Norm. That makes sense and I can see the light. Never thought of that and was worried, but I see for no reason. Appreciate the quick response.