Fitting A New Voltage Regulator | How A Car Works

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When you have tested the charging system of a car fitted with an alternator , and the checks in How to test a car battery point to a fault in the voltage regulator , make sure that you need to replace it. The fault may be elsewhere.

If the simple tests described here do not work, take the car to an auto-electrician; alternators fitted to modern cars are easily damaged.

Before doing any work on an alternator system other than testing, disconnect both terminals of the battery .

Incorrect charging or no output may be due to a badly earthed regulator. Make sure that the connections are clean and tight. The unit may be earthed through its mountings or by a separate lead.

Undercharging may be caused by faulty alternator brushes and slip rings (See Renewing alternator brushes ), as well as by a faulty regulator.

A simple way to check the alternator is to start the engine and connect a voltmeter across the battery terminals. If it registers battery voltage only, the fault is in the alternator or its wiring, or in a field isolating relay if fitted.

If it registers an excessive charge (15 volts or more) the regulator is faulty and you should replace it.

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