Welcome to our guide about the internally regulated alternator.
Battery charging using alternators in car engines requires voltage regulation to maximize the power refilling the cells for reduced charging time.
These devices operate like solar MPPT charge controllers, which vary the voltage to maximize the current flowing into the battery pack.
The alternator can have an internal or external regulator, depending on the situation.
We’ll focus on the internally regulated alternator to determine its advantages, disadvantages, applications, maintenance tips, etc. Read on to learn more!
What Is an Internally Regulated Alternator?
An internally regulated alternator is an alternator with an internal voltage regulator. This AC power alternator is typical in most modern vehicles. And it usually limits the charging voltage range to between 13.5V and 14.5V.
Since it comes as a complete unit, you can determine the alternator type in your vehicle by physically examining the setup in the engine compartment.
An alternator in a modern car engine
A car with an external voltage regulator has an additional device connected to the alternator charge wire. This connection is via a standard 6-pin plug/spade connector.
Car manufacturers like Toyota bolted this remote voltage regulator to the strut bar in their old vehicles.
However, an internally regulated alternator does not have an external device connected to it.
Both the internal and external units operate the same way. So, the primary difference is their installation location.
Advantages of Internally Regulated Alternators
Internal voltage regulation in alternators has the following benefits.
Simplified Wiring
Including the voltage regulator inside the alternator means you don’t have to worry about wiring an external device. So, the electrical system in the vehicle will be easier to work on and more reliable.
Self-Contained Unit
Placing the alternator and regulator in a single housing makes its design more compact. Therefore, it will consume little space in the engine bay. Also, the device will be easy to install.
A car voltage regulator
More Precise Voltage Control
An internal regulator alternator operates faster than its external counterpart when responding to changes in electrical demand.
Therefore, the alternator will have a more consistent and stable output voltage to power-sensitive electronic systems. These include sensors and control modules in modern vehicles.
Better Efficiency
Since the internal electronic voltage regulator is more precise, it adjusts the alternator output faster to respond to the vehicle’s electrical load. This setup enhances electrical efficiency, minimizing unnecessary power generation.
Compatibility
Most modern vehicles feature internal regulators with a standardized output alternator voltage of around 13.5-14.5V.
Therefore, internally regulated alternators are standard and compatible with most vehicles produced by different manufacturers.
But you should always check if the replacement alternator is compatible with your vehicle because there might be other differentiating factors.
A car alternator in the engine bay
Disadvantages of Internally Regulated Alternators
Internal voltage regulation is not all rosy because it has the following disadvantages.
Limited Customization
Manufacturers usually set internal voltage regulators to output electric current at about 13.5-14.5V. Although it can help with compatibility, this fixed output range limits customization.
So, if you want to upgrade your vehicle’s electrical system or charge an auxiliary battery pack, internal regulation won’t work. You’ll need an adjustable voltage regulator.
Not Easy to Repair
Repairing an internally regulated alternator is challenging because it is difficult to access. So, this repair process requires specialized tools and skills. However, accessing external regulators is more straightforward for repairs or replacements.
A voltage regulator
Not Ideal for Custom or Vintage/Classic Cars
Internal regulation is ideal and compatible with most modern vehicles. But old cars (vintage and classic) and custom vehicles have unique electrical or voltage requirements.
Some of their power connections are outside the 13.5-14.5V range.
So, internal regulation won’t be ideal because the vehicle needs customized power regulation.
High Potential for Overheating
Since the regulator is inside the alternator housing, it might not get sufficient cooling when operating in high-demand or high-temperature conditions. Therefore, the device can experience premature failure.
Limited Diagnostics
Testing and diagnosing electrical failures in external regulators is easier than in internal regulators because they are accessible. The diagnostic options for troubleshooting internal regulators are limited.
Expensive to Replace
If the internal regulator fails, you’ll likely replace the entire alternator, making it expensive.
But with external regulation, you can fit in another alternator or regulator, depending on where there is a failure. The separate design makes the replacement cheaper.
An automotive relay voltage alternator
How To Troubleshoot an Internally Regulated Alternator
We recommend consulting a professional mechanic to troubleshoot this device. But you can perform these troubleshooting steps to diagnose the problem.
Do a Visual Inspection
Turn off the ignition switch and open the hood to check the alternator wiring harness, electrical connections, and serpentine belt. Also, check the alternator pulley and other components that affect the alternator’s power generation.
An alternator linked to the engine by a serpentine belt
Measure the Battery Voltage
You’ll have to measure the battery voltage using a multimeter three times. The first is when the engine is off. This test should indicate a 12.6-12.8V reading across the battery terminals if fully charged. Other readings might indicate a faulty alternator.
Next, measure this voltage when the engine is running at idle speed. If the internally regulated alternator is fully functional, the voltage across the battery’s negative and positive terminals should rise to around 13.5-14.5V.
The third test should be when you rev the engine. Immediately the engine speed increases, the battery voltage should rise slightly, indicating the alternator and regulator are healthy.
If you get alternative results, the alternator, regulator, or both might be faulty.
A mechanic testing the voltage across a car battery with the engine running at idle speed
Listen for Unusual Noises
When running, a healthy alternator should not produce squealing, grinding, or whining noises. If you detect these sounds, there might be an issue with the bearing, alternator pulley, or internal components.
Feel the Temperature
The alternator and regulator must get warm when running, but the temperature should not be hot. So, feel the alternator housing to detect excessive overheating, which might indicate a faulty internal regulator.
Check for a Warning Light
Modern vehicles have a dashboard charge light that can turn on (amber or red) to indicate a problem with the power supply, or the battery is not recharging. The internally regulated alternator might be the cause of this issue.
Test the Regulator
You can also test the voltage regulator using an alternator or diode tester to check whether the alternator is healthy.
A clean engine with the alternator at the front
Maintenance Tips for Internally Regulated Alternators
- Inspect the alternator regularly, including the wiring and serpentine belt.
- Keep the device clean and free from moisture.
- Avoid overloading the vehicle’s electrical system by installing hefty aftermarket devices.
- Replace faulty electrical components that overload the system by drawing excessive power.
- Check the battery’s health regularly and replace it when it shows signs of dying.
- Pay attention to the dashboard warning lights.
- Avoid incorrect vehicle jump-starting if you have a dead battery.
Have the voltage regulator serviced professionally every once in a while.
Wrap Up
Internally regulated alternators might not be the best for classic, vintage, or custom vehicles. But they are ideal for modern cars because they provide more precise voltage control. Also, they are more compact.
So, your vehicle likely has one unless you are into classic, vintage, or custom cars.
You can learn more about externally regulated alternators in this article to compare internal and external voltage charging control.
