Alternator Regulator

HOW TO DETECT THE ALTERNATOR VOLTAGE REGULATOR FAILURE

The part diagnosis should be performed every 5,500-8,500 kilometers, or at the change of the season of the vehicle use. You can check the regulator serviceability by using a voltmeter. You should connect the instrument to the battery terminals and measure the voltage with the engine off: it should be approximately 12-12.8V. Then you need to start the engine: if the multimeter's readings range within 13,2-14V, the component is in good order. Then it is required to increase the rpm. The measured voltage should increase as well, but not over 14.8V.

The regulator removed from the car is examined in another way. You need a voltmeter, a 12 volt light bulb, a power module or a charger with current control, a few wires with terminals, and a battery. You should connect the battery to the charger, and the light bulb to the battery, connecting the bulb to the corresponding voltage regulator terminals using the wires. The voltmeter, if not integrated in the charger, is connected to the battery. After the power module or the charger is turned on, the light bulb should light up, and go out when you increase the voltage to 14.5V (on some vehicles to 14.8V). If, after reaching this threshold, the light does not go off, the voltage regulator needs replacement.