voltage regulator

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 19, 2011 | 09:09 PM

spence's66

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 21

Likes: 0

From: Lenoir City(Knoxville)

voltage regulator

can someone give some symptons of a bad or going bad voltage reg... when the engine is cold i have no problems but when it warms up the ammeter start going nuts at any electrical change radio, wipers, ect. additionally when i go back to idle the lights dim noticably (interior also). i have drivin to the zone and had them check the alternator, battery, and starter. battery is 3 days old and perfect. zone said starter was great and alt was good. thanks for all in advance.

Jul 19, 2011 | 09:10 PM

spence's66

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 21

Likes: 0

From: Lenoir City(Knoxville)

the truck killed a battery about a week ago is why the batt is new

Jul 19, 2011 | 09:33 PM

63' f100

Elder User

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 554

Likes: 1

I HIGHLY recommend replacing it with the GM alternator conversion that people do here. I did it and I will never go back to the generator. The alternator is a million times better and its not worth fiddling with the old school stuff.

But to answer your question, a battery that is not charging properly is the sign of a bad generator/voltage regulator. I wish I could tell you more specifically, but like I said, I recommend you switch to the alternator anyway. You can do it in half a day and it works like a dream.

Jul 20, 2011 | 12:07 PM

huckdeuceman

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 400

Likes: 0

check engine ''Ground strap'' from firewall to engine, if it's loose it can cause all sorts of
issues that you speak of??

Jul 21, 2011 | 11:43 AM

rustywheel68

Posting Guru

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 1,182

Likes: 1

put a voltmeter across the battery terminals with the truck running, you should see somewhere around 14 volts. as mentioned, check/clean all connections.

Jul 21, 2011 | 11:48 AM

Grubbworm

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 2,936

Likes: 9

From: Acworth, GA

I've got some troubleshooting help here;
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Grubbworm's Album: Troubleshooting help, for anyone that needs it.

But, I would try this 3-point voltmeter test first;

Good luck. Let me know if this helps.

Jul 21, 2011 | 01:10 PM

Jetcopterpilot

Posting Guru

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 2,315

Likes: 0

From: Rossmoor at Seal Beach

Quote:

Originally Posted by spence's66

I had the same issue... replaced the regulator and all was good, for about a year... then it happened again then it was the stater Solenoid and it happened again .. removed the Generator, regulator, and all of that wiring... Bought a brand new Ford cased GM type one wire alternator from Summit for $73 bucks.. the brand is Tuff Stuff. it is 100 amp... took 15 minutes to install, now everything works great, battery is always fully charged, engine turns over much easier, the lights are brighter, everything works right. my gauge always stays at 14 volts or higher... The new unit looks like the old Ford unit and fits in as a direct swap, no mods, with out that regulator box hanging on the inner fender, one very large wire going directly to the positive terminal of the batter... a true no brainer!

Tuff Stuff Performance 7068 - Tuff Stuff One-Wire Alternators - Overview - SummitRacing.com