Boeing747

i'm an engineer so i like to look at all the specs. The alternator on the type s is rated at 120 amps, right? and on our new toyota sequioa the alternator is only 100 amps. the toyota is a heavy duty 8 cyl and has the same amount of electrical acessories (much more power outlets, etc.). Did Acura just put a 120 amp alternator just for the hell of it or is it actually needed?

p.s. Does a CL-P have a 100 amp or 120 amp?

EricL

CLS -- 120 AMP

CLP - 105 AMP

I doubt Acura put in a 120 AMP alternator "for the hell of it."

The CL-S has higher compression (compared with the CLP), which makes starting a bit harder on the battery...

russianDude

I wonder why CLS needs more amps than CL?
Both CL and CLS have the same need for electricity consumption ( they have the same bulbs and electrical units ).
What;s the reason for more amps on CLS?

SilverKnight

They knew we couldn't stand the BOSE system so they give us extra juice to set up a decent system

EricL

Yea...

CLP --> Regular De-bosing w/105AMP

CLS --> Super De-bosing w/120AMP

Jens H.

The alternator in any automobile has no effect on starting the car ,this is accomplished entirely by the battery.However the CL/S has more electrical devices requiring a larger alternator.The CL/S has stability control systems which are very power hungry due to the use of abs while in operation.This may help explain the need for a bigger alternator.Jens

EricL

I sure didn’t say that, and I sure didn’t imply that…

EricL quote, "The CL-S has higher compression (compared with the CLP), which makes starting a bit harder on the battery"

However, a nice fat alternator does help charge the battery!

Higher compression engines use more current during cranking.

More current means the recharge has to come from somewhere, and that place is the alternator.

So, try starting the car in freezing temps *and* then tell me that a nice fat recharge (from a beefier alternator) is not welcome with all of the goodies in the car to run (right after starting).

NOLACLS

And so we can have pulleys :P

Jens H.

Yup you're right my bad sorry.Jens

EricL

Well, interesting enough, I think you are also right about the VSA stuff.

I was digging through the Helms and they have a list of the fuses for "Type S" and "Except Type S"...

Fuse #52 -- 40AMP for Type S, 20 AMP for ABS/TCS modulator unit (via TCS relay)

In the Type-S, the 40AMP looks like it goes to an Aux Fuse block and the S has the VSA throttle motor.

Then, something I never knew about -- different cooling system electronics on the CLS vs. CL:

Fuse #57 -- 30A for Type S, 20A for Non Type S

The CLS has a more involved set of fan/AC temperature control logic!


(I can't tell if the fan motors are the same or different.)