Monday, April 14, 2014
How to Change a Voltage Regulator
The voltage regulator in your automobile controls the voltage in your electrical system, maintaining a constant current to run the electrical and electronic accessories in your car. It maintains a constant voltage of between 13 to 15 volts, depending on your automobile. The extra voltage above your batterys voltage, which is 12 volts, allows the battery to be recharged. There are two types of regulators, contained electronic regulators and contact point regulators. Unless you have a classic car, more than 25 years old, your regulator will be of the electronic variety and is either attached to your alternator or located remotely.
Instructions
- 1
Use a wrench to detach the cables from the battery. The battery is typically located under the hood, directly behind the grill of the automobile, on either the right or left side. It has two cables attached. Detach the positive cable first, it will be labeled with a "+" sign. Loosen the nut holding the cable by turning it counterclockwise. Remove the negative cable in the same way.
2Locate the voltage regulator. It is either in a black plastic box on the back of your alternator, which will be labeled on the belt diagram under the hood of your car or in line in the battery cable between the alternator and the battery. Consult a repair manual for your make and model for more specifics.
3Position the new regulator over the old for remote regulators, inline with the battery cable and not attached to the alternator and unplug each cable from the old regulator and plug it into the new regulator. There may be up to four cables, depending on the make and model. For cables attached with screws, loosen the screws by turning them counterclockwise with a screwdriver. Attach the cables by fitting them onto the corresponding screws on the new regulator. Tighten the screws with the screwdriver. For integrated regulators, those attached to the alternators, move directly to the next step.
4Remove the screws or bolts holding the regulator to the car frame, or alternator, using a wrench or screwdriver. The type of mounting hardware depends on the car model. Position the new regulator, aligning it with the holes on the alternator or car frame. Install the mounting screws through the holes in the new regulator and tighten them, by turning them clockwise.
5Replace the battery cables and tighten the cables with the wrench, making sure to attach each cable to the contact you removed it from, positive to positive and negative to negative.
Monday, October 21, 2013
How to Replace a Voltage Regulator
The voltage regulator ensures a consistent charging voltage from the alternator to your cars battery. A faulty regulator often results in a dead or damaged battery. Generally, manufacturers equip cars with some type of warning system to notify owners of a regulator problem. When you see the warning light on the dash, consult a professional unless you have some auto repair experience. If you do the repair yourself, review repair instructions for your specific car before replacing your voltage regulator. Depending on the manufacturer, you may have to perform different steps.
Instructions
- 1
Put on the work gloves, and open the hood. Take the ground cable off of the battery.
2Remove the wires from the broken regulator. Bind the end of the battery wire with electrical tape. This avoids any potential sparks that might occur if the wire rubs any metal parts. detach the regulator from the alternator by removing the adhering bolts or screws with the adjustable wrench or screwdriver.
3Look at the bottom of the regulator for the two carbon brushes. Remove them and use the sandpaper to carefully clean the contact ends of the brushes. Apply electrical contact cleaner to the brushes, and insert them into the new regulator. Match the wear patterns on the brushes to the patterns on the new regulator. If the patterns do not match, the regulator will not work correctly.
4Connect the new voltage regulator to the alternator carefully, making sure not to damage the brushes. Secure the regulator with the bolts or screws and attach the wires using the adjustable wrench or screwdriver, Reattach the ground cable to the battery and close the hood.
5Start your car, and run it at 1,000 to 1,200 rpm. Look at the voltmeter on your dashboard to check the battery voltage. If voltage is not in the 13.5 to 14.5 range, read your regulator instructions on how to adjust the voltage. Recheck it after you make the adjustments.
