The voltage regulator is usually found inside or on the back of the alternator case . Increasingly, though, late-model vehicle have the engine control module (ECM) regulating alternator voltage output through a special circuit.
Where is the voltage regulator installed?
The voltage regulator can be mounted inside or outside of the alternator housing . If the regulator is mounted outside (common on some Ford products) there will be a wiring harness connecting it to the alternator. The voltage regulator controls the field current applied to the spinning rotor inside the alternator.
What are the symptoms of a bad voltage regulator?
A bad voltage regulator can even affect your car's engine. For example, as this car part stops working properly, you might notice your car's engine sputters or stalls once in a while. It might also have trouble accelerating as you drive .
What causes bad voltage regulator?
They usually fail because they're under rated for the constant current draw. Running the motor with the battery disconnected – or even a poor contact on the battery terminals – can also blow them.
How much does it cost to replace a voltage regulator?
Between $345 and $386 is the average cost for a voltage regulator replacement. Labor costs are between $155 and $196 and parts are priced at $190.
Can a voltage regulator cause starting problems?
A bad voltage regulator may cause it to simply not work or behave erratically. You're not likely to be able to start the car at all , but even if you could, it wouldn't be wise to do so without knowing how fast you're driving, how much fuel you have left, and other critical info.
Can you replace just the voltage regulator?
This is possible because the modern voltage regulator is a sold-state device. 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 .
What happens if voltage regulator goes bad?
A damaged or failed voltage regulator can rapidly diminish the alternator's ability to cycle power from the battery . This may cause the vehicle to experience dimming or pulsating external systems, such as headlights and dashboard elements.
How long does a voltage regulator last?
For the most part, the instrument voltage regulator is supposed to last for the life of the car . Like with any other electrical component of a car, eventually this voltage regulator will begin to show signs of damage.
Can a bad voltage regulator ruin a battery?
A damaged or failed voltage regulator can rapidly diminish the alternator's ability to cycle power from the battery . Dead Battery. A burned-out voltage regulator will diminish the vehicle battery's ability to charge or stop it altogether.
What is the difference between a voltage regulator and a rectifier?
Perhaps the biggest thing to note is that a rectifier converts input AC power into DC electrical power. Regulators are, on the other hand, systems configured to automatically maintain a constant voltage level to protect various apparatus against damage that can be caused by fluctuating voltage.
What does the voltage regulator do?
Voltage regulator, any electrical or electronic device that maintains the voltage of a power source within acceptable limits . The voltage regulator is needed to keep voltages within the prescribed range that can be tolerated by the electrical equipment using that voltage.
Why is my voltage regulator overcharging?
Alternators that overcharge will typically produce excess voltage to the battery , making the battery case swell up, become very hot and lose its electrolyte through boiling. ... This surge disrupts the wiring in the alternator, causing an overcharging condition.
Do you need a voltage regulator with an alternator?
A voltage regulator is an important component of your car's charging system. ... Most new alternators have internal voltage regulators, meaning wiring is not necessary , but if you have an external regulator then you need to hook it up to the alternator and ignition system.
What causes a voltage regulator to overheat?
Why is the voltage regulator heating up? ... The greater the difference between input and output voltage or the greater the current, the more heat will be dissipated by the regulator . This means linear power regulators are not very efficient at regulating voltage, since so much energy is wasted as heat!
