Faulty Voltage Regulator

[tailes151]

Did a quick search of the forums and couldn't find a response, hoping someone can answer what's probably a simple question - I'm in no way a car guy.

The batter light on my wife's 96 Ranger came on today. I took it to an O'Reilly's and they ran some test said the Voltage Regulator was faulty.

I've called and gotten a few quotes on that already, but want to know if I'll still need to replace the current battery after having the new regulator put in.

Thanks!

--edit--

Also, any idea on how long the battery typically lasts once the light comes on? We don't have a third car, so if it could die on her way to work tomorrow (10 minute commute) I'll want to find her a ride.

 

[razel]

The voltage regulator is usually in the alternator. Your alternator charges your battery. Your battery is used to start the car. So if your voltage regulator is funky that usually means it cannot charge your battery properly when the engine is running. If that is the case, you'll eventually need to jump your car.

What to do? Depending on the cost of the alternator and how easy it is to replace, most replace the alternator. Those savvy and want to save money will remove the alternator and take it to an alternator mechanic who can replace the voltage regulator. It's up to you.

To directly answer your question. If you can still start your car, you do not need to replace your battery after fixing the regulator. You will want to check the acid levels and top off with distilled water if it allows you to. If you battery is 100% charged and 100% healthy, I assume it will start your car at least 5-10 times.

 

[LTC8K6]

Did a quick search of the forums and couldn't find a response, hoping someone can answer what's probably a simple question - I'm in no way a car guy.

The batter light on my wife's 96 Ranger came on today. I took it to an O'Reilly's and they ran some test said the Voltage Regulator was faulty.

I've called and gotten a few quotes on that already, but want to know if I'll still need to replace the current battery after having the new regulator put in.

Thanks!

--edit--

Also, any idea on how long the battery typically lasts once the light comes on? We don't have a third car, so if it could die on her way to work tomorrow (10 minute commute) I'll want to find her a ride.

What you want is the RC rating of the battery. Reserve Capacity. Basically, this is how long the battery can supply 25 amps (It's not really that simple, but it will do for discussion).

A typical rating is 80 minutes, a good battery will be 120 minutes or more. The higher the RC rating, the longer your car will run with a dead alternator.

A charged battery should run the ignition system alone for quite a while.

Now, if you are running a lot of other stuff, radio, fan, headlights, etc., that time is greatly reduced.

So, if you suspect your alternator, turn off anything you don't need.

 

[tailes151]

Thanks guys. Got it hooked up to a battery charger now and will have alternator or voltage regulator replaced this weekend.

 

[squirrel dog]

Car batteries need to be changed every three or four(at the most) years . A weak battery puts more and more pressure on the charging system to keep it at starting capacity . I would replace the battery and the alternator . Kind of like spark plugs , as they age they put more cpu cycles on the computer to advance the spark . That's why my owners manual says to replace mine every 30,000 miles . Those plugs are way cheaper than a new computer .

 

[LTC8K6]

Car batteries need to be changed every three or four(at the most) years . A weak battery puts more and more pressure on the charging system to keep it at starting capacity . I would replace the battery and the alternator . Kind of like spark plugs , as they age they put more cpu cycles on the computer to advance the spark . That's why my owners manual says to replace mine every 30,000 miles . Those plugs are way cheaper than a new computer .

That's not really necessary, and it can backfire.

I replaced the original battery in my 2008 Jeep in 2014 because it was "old".
At 6 years, I figured it would soon leave me stranded. It tested okay, and there were no problems with it. I changed it simply because it was old.

Fast Forward - to my vacation in 2015.

I am going home...I come out to start the Jeep on a Sunday morning. Nothing. New 1+ year old Mopar battery is as dead as can be. It reads about 10 volts with no load. A cell took a permanent vacation.

It's Sunday, and I am in the middle of nowhere. I am a long drive from even the nearest Wal-mart.

My first thought, "I'll bet my old battery wouldn't have left me stranded".

I do manage to get a buddy to come and jump start it. But, the battery is so damn dead, it just won't fire off. It takes a good 10 minutes to get the voltage up high enough to satisfy my engine computer during cranking. Finally the Hemi roars to life.

I check to see if I have an alternator. Yes, 14.6 volts.

Well, the trip home will have to be non-stop...and the Check Engine light is on...

I made it all the way home, shut it off, and immediately checked the battery voltage after the long drive. 10.2V...Foo!

Stupid new battery!