Notice: We request that you don't just set up a new account at this time if you are a previous user.
If you used to be one of our moderators, please feel free to reach out to Chris via the facebook Outerlimits4x4 group and he will get you set back up with access should he need you.
Recovery:If you cannot access your old email address and don't remember your password, please click here to log a change of email address so you can do a password reset.

Alternator stuffed or just regulator?

For all things Electrical.

Moderator: -Scott-

Forum rules
Post Reply
User avatar
mike_nofx
Master of my own domain
Posts: 1516
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:01 pm
Location: Shellharbour, NSW

Alternator stuffed or just regulator?

Post by mike_nofx »

Vehicle is 90' Suzuki Sierra.

The alternator is no longer charging, and battey light is visible on dash. At higher revs, the battery light will occasionally turn off, though battery is still not charging. confirmed with a multimeter.

I have disconnected the charge wire (from battery positive to alternator) and connected a multimeter to the alternator to check voltage, at idle i am getting around 1 volt, and at 4000rpm i am getting around 5 volts.

Would this be a stuffed regulator? and if so, are these easily sourced from auto parts stores?

If not the regulator, what else could it be?

Thanks
Mike
Top
Posts: 19062
Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2003 11:39 pm
Location: In a horse near you

Post by chimpboy »

I would just grab a used alternator from a wrecker for twenty bucks and drop it in. It could be brushes, wiring/connections, regulator...

What are your voltages when everything IS connected together?
This is not legal advice.
Top
Posts: 2732
Joined: Fri May 28, 2004 11:50 pm
Location: Perth, WA

Post by stuee »

As far as I know regulators work using a feedback control loop. They read the voltage of the battery and this voltage determines the output of the alternator (obviously rpm will determine how much the alternator can pump out too).

So by removing the battery to take a measurement you will not get an accurate reading from the alternator.
-Scott- wrote:Isn't it a bit early in the day to be pissed? :finger:
Top
User avatar
mike_nofx
Master of my own domain
Posts: 1516
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:01 pm
Location: Shellharbour, NSW

Post by mike_nofx »

With everything connected up, engine running, and multimeter on battery it reads around 12.5V the same as when engine is off.

Even with high rpm there is no change.

I have removed and opened alternator, and brushes do appear fine.

Mike
Top
Posts: 29
Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:33 pm
Location: sydney

Post by Fpv_83 »

Gday mate

I just picked up my alternator as i had to get it rebuilt.
I had EXACTLY the same problem as you!
12V and the light was on on the dash.

Havnt had time to put mine back on but my auto elecy tells me it should be perfect.
Cost me heaps but coz everything had to be replaced coz mud n s*@^ killed bearing n that.
Bout $260 but hopefully no more headache

So i recommend you get yours rebuilt or if you fell better get a 2nd hand 1 from a wrecker. Dont get a swift 1 with the multi groove belt pulley!!!!
Learnt that the hard way, pulley alignment doesnt happen
Cheers
Mark
Top
Posts: 29
Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:33 pm
Location: sydney

Post by Fpv_83 »

Gday mate

I just picked up my alternator as i had to get it rebuilt.
I had EXACTLY the same problem as you!
12V and the light was on on the dash.

Havnt had time to put mine back on but my auto elecy tells me it should be perfect.
Cost me heaps but coz everything had to be replaced coz mud n s*@^ killed bearing n that.
Bout $260 but hopefully no more headache

So i recommend you get yours rebuilt or if you fell better get a 2nd hand 1 from a wrecker. Dont get a swift 1 with the multi groove belt pulley!!!!
Learnt that the hard way, pulley alignment doesnt happen
Cheers
Mark
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Auto Electrical”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 20 guests