voltage regulator or alternator?

[Mike Stitzer]

On the way to work on the highway my radio, climate control lights started blinking then the battery light came on. When that came on the dash lights got super bright and two of them are now blown. Once at work I got a voltmeter and saw that at idle the voltage would be about 14.8 to 15 volts. Then while still hooked up I gave it some gas by hand and saw the volts shoot up to 19 volts!!!
No wonder bulbs are blowing. Now, is the voltage regulator part of the alternator? The Alternator is original and this is a 95mtx with 157,000 miles on it. Just trying to see if the part is separate. Terminals are clean by the way. If I'm looking at replacing the alternator, where's the best place to get one? Autozone maybe?

Mike

 

[93rev2sev]

Yes, Voltage Regulator is part if the alternator.

Take YOUR alternator to a reputable Starter and Alternator Rebuilder and have it rebuilt.

Don't waste time with chain stores.

 

[Devin]

I agree on the suggestion for getting a professional to rebuild it. I already had one go bad after 6 days of driving and about 4 months of sitting. Luckily they replaced it right away, but it just smacks of potential trouble.

 

[hawkeye18]

Definitely the Voltage Regulator (IVR). +1 on getting it rebuilt. Autozone/AAP/NAPA alternators all suck ass.

 

[Mike Stitzer]

I called the local alternator shop and they said for this type of alt they would just end up exchanging it. Their cost was exactly the same as a autozone one. I'm wondering if it would be the exact same alternator. I know the autozone ones are hit or miss. A buddy got one that was just as bad as his failed one. They did replace it. I might go that route to get it fixed fast as this is my daily driver. Also, I will be selling the SHO in about 3 months.

Mike

 

[jelloslug]

I called the local alternator shop and they said for this type of alt they would just end up exchanging it. Their cost was exactly the same as a autozone one. I'm wondering if it would be the exact same alternator. I know the autozone ones are hit or miss. A buddy got one that was just as bad as his failed one. They did replace it. I might go that route to get it fixed fast as this is my daily driver. Also, I will be selling the SHO in about 3 months.

Mike

You will be lucky to get 3 months out of a store bought "rebuilt" alternator. I wen through 4 NAPA Gold "rebuilt" alternators in about 6 weeks. 2 of them were bad right out of the box.... You would be better of buying a used alternator that buying a "rebuilt" from a store