8 Symptoms of a Bad Voltage Regulator
Under the hood, there are surges of raw electricity coming from both the battery and the engine. Small electrical systems can’t handle such uncontrolled current. That’s where voltage regulators come in, regulating the flow of current like a surge protector.
But voltage regulators can (and do) fail occasionally. Here are the most common symptoms of a bad voltage regulator and the average cost of replacing one.
The 8 Most Common Symptoms of a Failed Voltage Regulator
The good news is that a failed voltage regulator is one of those issues that develops over time. It’s also relatively easy to diagnose. There are a few troubleshooting techniques that can help diagnose this issue. Here are 8 common signs to look out for:
1) High Output Voltage
A typical car battery should provide about 12.6 volts when the circuit is open (when the car is not running). When the car is running, the voltage will be about 2 volts higher on most vehicles. If the output voltage is 16 volts or higher, the voltage regulator is likely defective. An overcharged alternator can actually damage a variety of electrical components. The most common cause is headlight or taillight bulbs burning out prematurely.
2) Occasional poor performance
If the regulator is defective, many components such as the fuel pump, ignition system, or other parts that require a minimum voltage may not work properly.
You may experience engine sputtering, rough idling, or simply lack of acceleration when needed. This may not seem like a big deal, but it’s important because it indicates that the power isn’t properly regulated.
3) The instrument cluster won’t work
Like any other electrical component, the instrument cluster needs a constant voltage to display all the information you need while driving. A bad voltage regulator can cause it to stop working or run erratically.
You probably won’t be able to start the car at all, but even if you do, it’s not wise to start it without knowing your speed, how much fuel you have left, and other important information.
4) Dimming or flickering lights
Typically, you’ll notice this in the headlights, but it can also affect the interior lighting and even the stereo. This is also a sign that the current is not being properly regulated.
This symptom occurs with battery-related issues, but it could also mean that there is a problem with the voltage regulator.
5) High beams don’t work
One system that can be affected by too high or too low a voltage is the headlights. High beams in particular require a lot of power to operate. If your high beams won’t light up properly, this is a sign that there is a problem. 6) Corrosion
Corrosion, especially around the terminals and top of the battery, can be a sign of a faulty voltage regulator.
7) Battery is empty
There are many other reasons for this, including forgetting to turn off the lights, an issue with the alternator, or simply an old battery that needs replacing. However, it could also be due to poor power management caused by a faulty voltage regulator.
8) Check that the engine light or battery light comes on
There are many different causes, but to determine if that is the cause of the problem, it is a good idea to check for diagnostic trouble codes (check engine light) or do a quick voltage check with a multimeter (battery light comes on).
