Faulty voltage regulator

[DC3]

Re: Faulty voltage regulator

Anybody had a faulty voltage regulator before?
:thinking:

I just had a faulty voltage regulator replaced. I drive a 2 yr old 320. Battery went flat and couldn't recharge.

How old is your car?

 

[Charontes]

hmm... my car is less than 2yrs old...
i asked them abt the cause of the failure of the regulator.
they couldn't give me a reply. they just said it's probably my sound system.
LAME. :angry:

 

[yendor]

Nope, in electrical terms, this is not lame especially if you run mega ICE. When you crank up the volume, the running current will approach 50 amps or so depending on the number of amps, power ratings, volume playing, amp efficiency..... All this power must come from somewhere...... the answer is the alternator. If you run a 318 then your alternator should be in the 90 amps category, 320s and above run the 120 amp alternator.

This increased load manifests itself as increased wear and tear on the carbon brushes and regulator pack. If you do ot have increased electrical loads then it just means you bought a lemon. This is the general rule of things most of the time, most of the things are ok...... it is just that 1 time.......

cheers, claim warranty....

 

[KT]

Are there symtoms of this failure that I could look out for? Or is this a sudden failure?

 

[yendor]

Electrical failure symptoms usually come with weak cranking during starting or severe dimming of cabin lights when starting. Other than that not much other symptoms. A voltage meter that is plugged into the electrical system is a good bet to monitor your car. Get those digital meters that come with stiffening caps for audio. Fairly accurate enough. The only issue is monitoring the guys cos they usually in boot....

Happy hunting

 

[KT]

Vendor, thanks and I have taken down the voltage readings you posted in another thread. It is certainly very helpful.

I used to have a digital volmeter installed in my E46, it was really helpful in monitoring the health of battery, especially after I ICEd the car.

With E39, I have problem locating a good place to put the volmeter without cluttering the console. So for now, still experimenting.

Once again, thanks for your input, appreciate it.

 

[yendor]

KT

I know the problem of clutter, 1 way I am looking at is the Apexi turbo timer. The pencil display allows battery voltage monitoring as well as lambda display (AFR). way cool cos the display is very slim... about the diameter of a marker and 2/3 the length.... very easy to hide

 

[KT]

KT

I know the problem of clutter, 1 way I am looking at is the Apexi turbo timer. The pencil display allows battery voltage monitoring as well as lambda display (AFR). way cool cos the display is very slim... about the diameter of a marker and 2/3 the length.... very easy to hide

Turbo timer is a little overkill but I like the idea.