Voltage Regulator

[collegeexplorer]

I went off roading for the first time yesterday, and had a blast doing so. However, on my way out of the park, I hit some water a little hard and messed up my voltage regulator I believe. My X will still start, but it can't run the stereo and lighting that well. I measured its voltage output and it is barely keeping it at 12 volts, but it never drops below that either. Where is the voltage regulator and how hard is it to replace. I have the 4.0 OHV if that helps. Would cleaning fix it? Any advice would be great!

 

[410Fortune]

the VR is built into your alternator, it should have approx 14.4 volts at the battery + terminal during idle.

 

[collegeexplorer]

thanks for the help. looks like its time for a new alternator, maybe one with a lifetime warrenty. most places are showing a 95 or 130 amp option for the X. Do you know which one comes stock in it?

 

[BrooklynBay]

I would recommend putting in the one with more amps, especially if you have power accessories, extra lights, and a powerful stereo system.

 

[jimbo74]

watch the lifetime warranty, places like krakens and pepboys that sell substandard crap saying its an oem replacement will have you replacing the stupid thing once a year..... and although the alt will be free, whats your time worth?

 

[410Fortune]

Bosch 130 amp new from Pep Boys is like $180

Now dont just go replacing your alternator man, how do you know its the problem? It could be a battery cable problem too.
Did you do any testing?
You can have your alternator bench tested at any competent parts place.
I too fell for the Autozone lifetime warranty, I after 4ea 4.0L alternators in about 2.5 years I ponied up to Pep Boys for a NEW Bosch unit, nothing like having an alternator fail on your every 3-4 months in the middle of nowheresville.

 

[Papa]

A) Have you tried washing it out with clean water from a garden hose yet?
B) If you can get parts from say Napa the regulator should not be hard to replace but I would also replace the brushes at the same time. The hard part will be getting it to your workbench and they are fun to work on.