Current draw idling XJ

[Mudderoy]

Anyone know (about) how many amps an XJ pulls all lights off, engine running at idle?

[4.3LXJ]

I don't know for sure, but my system draws about 60 amps. That is why most alternators on modern engines without all the new goodies are sized at 90. And it is just getting worse

[Mudderoy]

I don't know for sure, but my system draws about 60 amps. That is why most alternators on modern engines without all the new goodies are sized at 90. And it is just getting worse

Well that's more information than I could find searching Google yesterday. I just ordered a DC current clamp meter. But I bet you're right.

[4.3LXJ]

Amazing how much it takes to run our electronic stuff nowadays

[Mudderoy]

I'm all LED now, with the exception of the dash lights. It will be interesting to see what my current draw is with engine running lights off and lights on. If I'm pulling 60 amps no wait I'll be able to turn the light bar on at full power, at least not for long as I'll be above the 90 amps and be eating into the battery.

[prerunner1982]

Sounds like a 136amp Grand Cherokee alternator should be on your list of things to do.

[4.3LXJ]

Or a 160 amp WJ alternator :D

[Mudderoy]

I'll have to find out what I'm currently using before I make the determination of what I need.

[4.3LXJ]

Alternator capacity is like sex, more is better and too much is just right :bacondance::bacondance::bacondance:

[Mudderoy]

14770

[4.3LXJ]

Cool. My Fluke meters don't do direct current, only alternating current

[Mudderoy]

My Jeep running at idle, headlights, and the 4 80 watt LEDs I have on the front bumper on. A/C off.

14771

[4.3LXJ]

Not quite as much as I would have expected

[Mudderoy]

Not quite as much as I would have expected

The only thing I can figure is that is the amount of current being drawn from the battery and not the alternator, but even that doesn't make a lot of sense. I tried positive side of battery line and negative. I think they were both around 6 amps without lights on.

Hell the 4 80w lights should be 20 amps

[Mudderoy]

Cool. My Fluke meters don't do direct current, only alternating current

I didn't think any clamp on meters did DC, but sure enough they have them.

[denverd1]

careful going with a bigger alt. I tried to use one from a Dodge truck, case was too big. WJ should be fine, just compare case size before you start bolting it up.