Which voltage regulator do I need?

[j_jza80]

Hey guys, I'm hoping that a replacement Voltage regulator will solve my battery drain woes. I've carried out the headlight test, they do not get dimmer even with the engine running and all the accessories turned on.

Which one do I need? My cars a '96 ABY S2 Coupe.

Thanks, Jason.

[johne]

Whilst it's possible it's not likely that your voltage regulator is the cause of battery drain but if you have or have access to a reasonable multimeter you can check it out pretty quickly.

With the engine running, do you get 14 volts or more on the big electrical stud at the back of the alternator?

With the engine not running, disconnect the battery and then the big cable from the back of the alternator. Connect a multimeter to read current between the big cable at the back of the alternator and the alternator stud you removed it from. Make sure nothing is or can touch any metal bodywork, reconnect the battery. Don't start the engine. The current reading on the multimeter is your regulator drain current and is typically less than 10mA.

If you pass both those tests, your alternator is working and not draining your battery excessively.

John