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View Full Version : Voltage regulator or Alternator?


Zackb911
10-27-2006, 03:14 PM
didnt have the alt belt tight enough:)

Thanks,
Zack
Blitzkrieg Bob
10-27-2006, 03:32 PM
with all the accessories and lights running?

Flickering?

Dimming?
Zackb911
10-27-2006, 04:50 PM
It's running around ~13v now but if I turn on the lights on it drops to ~12.2 and stays there, when I turn them off it goes back up to ~13v. So it seems like the alternator is doing something but now enough to keep up. I am going off an aftermarket VDO gauge in my center cluster so I am estimating the 1/10's of a volt but it is defintely not near 14 at all.... Would this be the VR? I will pull it out tomorrow to see how the brushes look.

Zack
pingu
10-27-2006, 05:59 PM
Try using a proper multimeter to measure the voltage - my OBC fluctuated all over the place but my multimeter (which I trust more) indicated not only a steady voltage, but a higher voltage than the OBC.
Zackb911
10-27-2006, 06:07 PM
I wasn't using the OBC its a VDO analog gauge... I can try my digital multi though although I'm pretty sure it will be the same. I just wanted to know if the VR fits my symptoms.

Zack
DanH
10-27-2006, 10:22 PM
You probably need a new alternator anyway, or at least the brushes are worn if it is the original one.

Many auto parts store will test it for you free of charge, just take it out and bring it in for a look.