Hey all, I may have an issue with my battery not charging. I replaced the voltage regulator cause all my lights, interior and exterior, kept flickering constantly, kind of like strobbing. After I replaced it, the flickering stopped which is good but I checked the battery voltage while idling and it was only at around 12.3 volts, 12.09 with the A/C on. Drove it about twenty minutes, probably a few miles and then rechecked the voltage and it was still the same. Not sure if this is normal, I know it should be higher. This is the voltage regulator I bought...

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...ier=130005_0_0_

My vehicle has the electric rear defroster though, so maybe I purchased the wrong one? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Are you sure your meter is correct? It should be charging at around 13.9 to 14.3v.

 

I would give it gas and see what it does. I work on stock cars and the batterys are always at about 12 volts when idling and go up to 13.8-14.1 volts at about 2000rpm.

 

I think the flickering is most likely due to a bad alternator, worn out brushes or a bad diode the most likely culprits.
Your defroster option should not affect which battery you should have, the demands of the starter motor determine this. The size of the alternator you require IS determined by the demands of the cars electrical system, ignition, fuel pump, stereo, defroster, lights etc.
You should have a reading of 13-14.5 volts across your battery terminals of the charging system is ok, even with lights, heater fan and the stereo working.


Roger.

 

X2 for a failing alternator.

One bad diode in the "bridge" will give the flicker to lights at idle. Your eyes can't see the flicker when the alternator is driven faster.

 

Ok all, update on my issues. Replaced the alternator with a 63 amp alt. And exchanged the voltage regulator I just bought with a mechanical one that also is 63 amps. After installing these I checked the battery and it was way way overcharging, it was something like 17.6 volts. I believe I might need to adjust the voltage regulator, but I am not familiar with how to do this, any advice?

 

Yes, return the one you bought and buy another. Make sure all your connections are correct and tight first.

 

I agree; that is a defective part.

 

The factory service manual (available online) explains how to adjust the VR. For less than $20, I would buy a solid state VR and call it done.

 

Ok, replaced this voltage regulator with a 63 amp solid state one I stumbled upon. Installed it and voila! No more flickering lights, battery is charging right around 13.8-13.9, all is well. Thanks everyone for your comments.

 

Well done, now on to the next project.