Where is my voltage regulator located?
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.
Do all car alternators have voltage regulators?
This is because all modern automobiles have a 12 volt, DC electrical system. A VOLTAGE REGULATOR regulates the charging voltage that the alternator produces, keeping it between 13.5 and 14.5 volts to protect the electrical components throughout the vehicle. The most common cause is a broken alternator drive belt.
Do alternators have built in regulators?
Today’s alternator regulators are all semiconductor based, and the more sophisticated ones are controlled by an embedded computer chip. Many regulators are built in to the alternator, but this doesnt permit any adjustments, so the more sophisticated alternator regulators are all externally mounted.
Can you replace a voltage regulator in an alternator?
You’ll likely pay more if going to a dealership and less if the regulator is mounted to the outside of the alternator where it’s easier to get to. Altogether, total voltage regulator replacement cost will be somewhere in the range of $180 to $380 in most cases.
Can a car run without a voltage regulator?
You can run without a voltage regulator. All that does is limit the output of the generator so that you don’t overcharge the battery. To run without, you just run the generator only when the battery gets low, like putting in a switch to shunt the output to ground.
How do I know if my alternator has a built in voltage regulator?
If the pins are aligned like this “ll” on the rear, then it it is an external regulated alternator. Check for regulator under the washer bottle and/or bracket on the driver side of the radiator support. If the pins are aligned like this “- -” on the side, then it is an internal regulated alternator.
Can a bad voltage regulator drain a battery?
There are many reasons your car’s battery might be dead, and one of them happens to be a broken voltage regulator. This is because when this part burns out, the battery will no longer charge, meaning it will eventually die.