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Unless things have changed, the diodes are part of the alternator. The voltage regulator is attached to the alternator but the diodes are part of the alternator.
the diodes in the alternator have gone
Your alternator is defective. Could be the internal voltage regulator or one or more bad diodes. Replace as soon as you can to avoid getting stranded on the road.
The alternator in any Ford has diodes. Is that what you are asking about?
On any alternator you can check with a voltmeter -- disconnect the positive going to the alternator, use a towel or electrical tape to isolate it, then start the car and you should read DC volts accross the terminal of 12-16v if the diodes are working, if they arent switch it to AC -- if you read > 2v your diodes are shorted I'm pretty sure the diodes and regulator are integrated into the Alternator -- so just replace that, otherwise you can take it off and they can check it at any Kragens for free.
There are 3 positive diodes and 3 negative diodes. The alternator produces AC voltage in 3 phase. Almost all car manufacturers import and domestic use 6 diodes. Diodes can be defective as either "open" or "shorted". An open diode reduces capacity of an alternator while a shorted diode causes almost no charging.
It's not a good idea to to run your alternator with bad diodes. These diodes rectify the ac power generated by your alternator and turn it into dc power. You will destroy other electrical components in your car and will end up spending more money than the cost of simply replacing your alternator.
The diodes are part of the rectifier assembly that converts the alternator's AC output to DC. The alternator's charging output flows through six diodes in the rectifier assembly before it goes to the battery and electrical system.
You would probably toast the diodes in the alternator.
Have the alternator tested. I would suspect one or more of the diodes in the alternator are bad.
Its a good possibility Your diodes are burnt out, its time to replace your alternator, i had a similar problem on a 95 lumina with a 3.1l motor
triple diodes in alternator are bad