External voltage regulator.

FordFanatic · #1 (**permalink**) 04-23-2009, 01:41 AM

My alternator died the other day and after I replaced it, I tested the charging system. I discovered the voltage at the battery would jump to almost 18v @ 3000rpm which leads me to believe I have a faulty voltage regulator. i was told that our cars are externally regulated but I can not find where it's located. Any help or pictures would be greatly appreciated.

RICK LAKE · #2 (**permalink**) 04-23-2009, 02:53 AM

FordF Get the battery tested for an internal short or just try another battery and see if the same thing happens. Voltage regulator looks like a 3"X3" square box, black, silver, or blue mounted under the hood. Look at the fenders and fire wall. How many amp was the Alt you replaced? You could also have the wrong one. The connector should be a 5 or 6 pin that is straight into the box. Rick L. If you have a couple of pictures of the car for under the hood, this would help.

trularin · #3 (**permalink**) 04-23-2009, 05:51 AM

You can type Ford Voltage regulator into google and see what they typically look like.

Once you find the regulator, you should be able to determine if it has a good ground. This is essential to the charging system.

I agree with Rick, please post pictures of your engine compartment so we can see if we can spot the regulator.

FordFanatic · #4 (**permalink**) 04-23-2009, 10:05 PM

OK I'm an idiot, I was looking for the regulator again this afternoon with help from a friend when he saw my dead alternator and said "err you know that your old alternator has an internal regulator, right?" DOH.

Thanks for the help anyway, everyone. I'll post some pics of my motor in the gallery for those of you who want to see it.