New problem in the middle of fixing others. My voltage regulator is going out. Since I cannot afford a new alternator, I'm pulling one from one of the cars at my local Pull-a-part. The only 850's they have JUST got on the lot so I know they're fine. All I need to know is how to get to the regulator without pulling the alternator off. I know it's gonna be complicated but I REALLY don't want to deal with pulling the car apart more than I already have to. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, good, bad, and sarcastic.

 

Should be just two screws in back of alt if I remember..

The brush holders, regulator, and diode pack is all one assembly. 99% of the time that's what fails on an alt; usually it's just the brushes wear out. Typically can get a new one for about $50.

What are your symptoms?

 

Well, the lights will all dim and sometimes the lights in the cluster that come on while the car isn't running just dimly light up. Plus, I work at O'Reilly's so I have near unlimited access to various testing equipment. Regulator checked bad but nothing else. It jumps from 11.3-13.9. Car still runs fine, starts back no problem, just has fits. Also, the regulator itself is 76 with my employee discount. 20 on ebay for a decent one or 5 at Pull-a-part with 30 day returns.

 

I doubt you can get that out without removing the entire alternator. I had alternator issues earlier this year, turned out to be my cables.

 

Well, changed the regulator to find nonexistent brushes. Car runs great now! Three screws on the cover, two holding the assembly in. 10 minutes to swap. Plus, its the only thing that can go bad so you almost never have to change the whole alternator unless the bearings go out.