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How do you tell if your voltage regulator or alternator is the problem?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
The simplest way is to take your vehicle to one of the major auto parts houses [such as, for example, Advance Auto Parts,AutoZone,or O'Rielly] where they usually can attach test equipment to your engine to diagnose the problem, and usually for FREE.
Or, you could take it to an automotive repair shop, where they normally have a charge for diagnostic services. I think that Wal-Mart stores that have an automotive center will do it for free, BUT if so, I can assure you that you will be under heavy hard sell pressure for them to do the repairs, rather than just doing the troubleshooting for you to then do your own repair.
If you want to do it yourself, go to your local library, study the, probably several, manuals on the subject, and then "check-out" the best one to take with you to refer to while making the repair. Also, most auto parts houses have vehicle specific manuals for sale which are usually up to date, and are pretty good about "talking you through" the diagnosis, and repair procedures.
Also, if you choose to do-it-yourself, you will have to have or buy some test equipment and tools. On the plus side if you do this, is that the manual[s] and tools will then be yours, and available for future projects.
Good luck.j3h.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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How do you hook up a ford internal voltage regulator?
To get to an internal voltage regulator first disconnect the battery ground ( negative cable ) then remove the alternator. Make sure you mark the cables on the alternator so you can put them back exactly where they are supposed to go. The voltage regulator is inside the alternator and you will have to take it apart. I'm not sure how the regulator is mounted in your alternator, it might have small studs with nuts on them, or small screws or bolts, or it may be soldered in. In the latter case you will have to cut out the voltage regulator and solder in the new one. If you are going to take out the alternator anyway you should probably take it to a parts store where they will test it for free and tell you if you need a whole new alternator or just the voltage regulator.
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Take the car to a place where they know what they're doing. Tell them the same information, and have them check the Alternator and Voltage regulator. You may have trashed a perfectly good battery.
