Voltage regulator failed

SHAYDALLDAY

MEMBER
2014 SCION TC
2.5L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
77,000 MILES

My vehicle quit running and restarted while driving the other day. After the last week, it's 50/50 on whether not it starts. Got the battery tested and they said it was the voltage regulator that is failing. I can't seem to figure out whether or not there is a way to replace the internal voltage regulator without buying a new alternator?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,328 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Honestly, replace the alternator. I just looked through two different manuals for overhauling the present one. Both explain everything from A to Z, but neither shows regulator replacement.

Also, I don't even know if a regulator is something you can find for this. I have a feeling by the time you find the part (if you do), remove the alternator and take it apart to repair, you will find a new alternator is cheaper. LOL

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First, here is a general description on how to replace an alternator:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

You may want to check it yourself to confirm there is a problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

You will need a volt meter or multi meter to check it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

When I looked up removal and replacement, it came up with two different procedures based on the manufacture date of the vehicle. You will find the manufacture date on a label on the passenger side door frame.

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Here are the directions for removal and replacement specific to your vehicle based on production. First, this is for 05 2013 through 01 2014. The attached pics will correlate with the directions.

2014 MY tC [05/2013 - 01/2014]
Vehicle Starting and Charging Charging System Alternator Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Removal 2014 MY tC [05/2013 - 01/2014]
2014 MY TC [05/2013 - 01/2014]
1. DISCONNECT CABLE FROM NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL

NOTICE:
When disconnecting the cable, some systems need to be initialized after the cable is reconnected See: Vehicle > Programming and Relearning > Repair Instruction - Initialization.

2. REMOVE FAN AND GENERATOR V BELT

See: Drive Belt > Removal and Replacement > Removal

3. REMOVE WIRE HARNESS CLAMP BRACKET

pic 1

(a)Detach the wire harness clamp from the clamp bracket.

(b)Remove the bolt and clamp bracket.

4. REMOVE GENERATOR ASSEMBLY

(a)Disconnect the generator connector.

pic 2

(b)Remove the terminal cap.

(c)Remove the nut and disconnect the generator wire.

(d)Remove the bolt and wire harness clamp bracket.

(e)Remove the 2 bolts and generator.

pic 3

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2014 MY tC [01/2014 - and yo]
Vehicle Starting and Charging Charging System Alternator Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Removal 2014 MY tC [01/2014 -]
2014 MY TC [01/2014 -]
1. DISCONNECT CABLE FROM NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL

NOTICE:
When disconnecting the cable, some systems need to be initialized after the cable is reconnected See: Vehicle > Programming and Relearning > Repair Instruction - Initialization.

2. REMOVE FAN AND GENERATOR V BELT

See: Drive Belt > Removal and Replacement > Removal

3. REMOVE WIRE HARNESS CLAMP BRACKET

pic 4

(a)Detach the wire harness clamp from the clamp bracket.

(b)Remove the bolt and clamp bracket.

4. REMOVE GENERATOR ASSEMBLY

(a)Disconnect the generator connector.

pic 5

(b)Remove the terminal cap.

(c)Remove the nut and disconnect the generator wire.

(d)Remove the bolt and wire harness clamp bracket.

(e)Remove the 2 bolts and generator.

pic 6

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I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions or need help.

Take care,
Joe

Images (Click to make bigger)