Voltmeter fluctuates between 12 and 14 volts (Regulated Voltage Control, normal)

Applies toThe article concerns the 2005-08 full size pickup or utility vehicle.

Some customers may comment that the volt gauge fluctuates between 12 and 14 volts on their 2005-08 full size pickup or utility vehicle.— [1]

Applies toThe information applies to 2005-07 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Silverado Classic, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, Sierra Classic and Yukon with Regulated Voltage Control (RVC).

This information applies to 2005-07 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Silverado Classic, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, Sierra Classic, Yukon with Regulated Voltage Control (RVC).— [2]

Applies toThe model list names 2005-2014 GMC Yukon models.

2005-2014 GMC Yukon Models— [3]

First signsSome customers may comment that the volt gauge fluctuates between 12 and 14 volts.

Some customers may comment that the volt gauge fluctuates between 12 and 14 volts on their 2005-08 full size pickup or utility vehicle.— [1]

First signsWhen towing or hauling a camper/trailer, customers may comment that the auxiliary battery for the camper/trailer will not stay charged.

Some customers may comment that when towing or hauling a camper/trailer, the auxiliary battery for the camper/trailer will not stay charged.— [3]

Why it happensStarting with the 2005 model year these vehicles have a Regulated Voltage Control (RVC) system, which reduces the targeted output voltage to 12.6-13.1 volts in Fuel Economy Mode to improve fuel economy.

Starting with the 2005 model year, these vehicles are equipped with a Regulated Voltage Control (RVC) system. RVC reduces the targeted output voltage to 12.6-13.1 volts when in Fuel Economy Mode to improve fuel economy.— [1]

Why it happensThe generator may exit Fuel Economy Mode if additional voltage is required, which makes the voltmeter fluctuate between 12 and 14 volts, whereas non-regulated systems usually hold a more consistent reading of 14 volts.

The generator may exit Fuel Economy Mode if additional voltage is required. This causes the voltmeter to fluctuate between 12 and 14 volts (fig. 16) , as opposed to non-regulated systems which usually maintain a more consistent reading of 14 volts.— [1]

Why it happensThe RVC system changes vehicle voltage up or down under various scenarios; battery state of charge and the vehicle's present electrical needs are only two of the numerous conditions taken into account.

The RVC system allows changes to vehicle voltage, up or down, under various scenarios. Battery state of charge and the vehicle’s present electrical needs are only two of numerous conditions taken into account.— [4]

RepairWith the tow/haul feature enabled, the RVC system stays in "Charge Mode" and the targeted generator output voltage is 13.9–15.5 volts, depending on battery state of charge and estimated battery temperature.

With the tow/haul feature enabled, the RVC system will stay in “Charge Mode” and the targeted generator output voltage will be 13.9–15.5 volts, depending on the battery state of charge and the estimated battery temperature.— [3]

RepairThe second method is to turn on the headlights, which increases the generator's targeted output voltage to 13.9–14.5 volts.

The second method is to turn on the headlights, which will increase the generator's targeted output voltage to 13.9–14.5 volts.— [3]

CautionThis fluctuation with the RVC system is normal system operation; no repairs should be attempted.

This fluctuation with the RVC system is normal system operation. No repairs should be attempted.— [1]