I recently got a certified used 2015 CRV, and have a question about the voltage specifications. Specifically, what voltages should I expect at the battery (or at the OBD interface), under different scenarios? Here's what I'm actually getting... Voltage at the battery drops from 12.6V (vehicle off) to 12.3V after starting and at idle, increases to maybe 12.7V at increased RPM, only increases to about 14.7V if the headlights are turned on. A/C, rear defrost, etc., voltage stays near 12.3V (or 12.7V at increased RPM). Is this normal?

 

welcome to the forum. with ac , lights, on, it should be chargng 14.4 to 14.7 hi out put. after starting 12.4 to 12.7 with a/c off light off. you might want the dealer to check this out since it is a certified crv.

 

Honda has an interesting charging system
At lo or no load conditions the PCM will command the alternator to output voltage just high enough to maintain the battery
At higher load conditions, The PCM will command the alternator to output voltage higher to meet the load demand
This system seems to make life easier for the engine
And the alternator can actually give feedback to the PCM to control idle speed.