Voltage Regulater Failed....Again!

[Greenleaf]

My third in a very short time. These be the NAPA VR38. The $45. 00 unit/one year warranty.



Anyone have better luck with another brand?



This time 'round I moved it to the inner fender well. Hope the absence of manifold heat will prolong the life.



Anyone mount them inside?



I even added the extra gound wire to the battery and the regulator case last year.



GL

 

[Philip]

I have had better luck with factory regulators. The aftermarket regulators just don't last for some reason.



Let me dig around the garage I might have a couple of Dodge take off regualtors laying in a drawer some where.

 

[Ctdchris]

My AutoZone one is going on 2 years now, that was the third one i've put in my truck since i've had it.



Chris

 

[GHarman]

My AutoZone one is going on 2 years now, that was the third one i've put in my truck since i've had it.



Chris

Greenleaf, I bought a new Voltage regulator from NAPA, last winter. Paid $14. 00~ fer it. works great. 'Course the real problem was that my alternator was worn plum out. It was the original alternator and the brushes were worn down to the springs:-laf. (Along with a mutilated wireing harness. ) Have you tested yours? I know you are a mechanic, so the last question may be taken wrong. Hope not! Just a thought. GregH

 

[SMcDougald]

I hate to feel like I am sounding dumb, but I have yet to find my voltage regulator in my 92 dodge. I have had a problem with my voltage staying around 12. 3 volts and after about 10 minutes of driving the "check engine" light coming on.

I thought it was my alternator and just replaced the brushes... dang I didn't know that springs put out so mutch electricity. I also ran my hand across every wire in the engine compartment... I have a new found dislike for clothe electrical tape #@$%!

 

[Ctdchris]

I hate to feel like I am sounding dumb, but I have yet to find my voltage regulator in my 92 dodge. I have had a problem with my voltage staying around 12. 3 volts and after about 10 minutes of driving the "check engine" light coming on.

I thought it was my alternator and just replaced the brushes... dang I didn't know that springs put out so mutch electricity. I also ran my hand across every wire in the engine compartment... I have a new found dislike for clothe electrical tape #@$%!

I'm pretty sure '92s have the voltage regulator built into the pcm. I think the external regulators are only on the older trucks, but I could be wrong.



Chris

 

[WJones]

I have whatever pepboys sells in my 91, its been there for a couple years...



91. 5 was the last year of the external regulator in our pickups afaik. theres a trouble code list floating around or in the service manual to diagnoise that check engine light.

 

[JLEONARD]

I have also had good luck with the Carquest version. 3 years I think. It even lived thru an alternator replacement and a battery replacement.

 

[hdm48]

I ran a NAPA reg for years with no problems. HOWEVER, to get to the point where I would no longer eat regs I replaced the PLUG at the regulator.

 

[Greenleaf]

The new regulator has caused the gauge needle to swing violenty and is pushing well over 15 volt according to my DVOM.



I was hoping for a poor ground problem but there is a very solid ground at the body and the reg mount.



I connected the ground direct to the battery and it did nothing as expected bacause it has a perfect ground to begin with.

 

[hdm48]

try makeing some short pigtails so you can plug one end into the factory plug, and the other ends to the reg. See what happens.

What you are discribing is why I replaced the plug on my forst gen. I cooked a battery because of a bad plug.

 

[Dale Reed]

My NAPA regulator has been working OK for a couple years but I carry an extra just in case. Opened up the last busted one and it showed water damage so I made an aluminum foil shield to keep it dry.

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

The problems I had with mine years back was the connector at the VR. It was corroded and not making good contact. I ended up putting a rubber flap over imine, as water was running on occasion down by the plug. It was originally mounted at center firewall, just below middle windshield. Had to buy a small bit for the dremel tool to clean out the connector. Hope this helps.