How to Install an External Alternator Regulator for Maximum Performance
Wiring an external alternator regulator is not only a good way to ensure the long-term reliability of your car, but it can also prevent the alternator from overcharging, which will damage the battery over time. With careful preparation, proper wiring and good grounding, you can wire an external alternator regulator to your car in a relatively short period of time.
To begin, you should locate the position for the external alternator regulator. On most cars, it should be affixed to the side of the driver’s shock tower, which is near the relays. Once you’ve marked the area, drill the holes for the mounting of bolts.
Next, you should attach the regulator to the shock tower. Connect the regulator’s black wiring to the mounting screw, and then install the plug with pigtails that match up to the regulator. To ensure good grounding, you should double-check the connections and that the regulator is securely affixed to the shock tower.
The green and blue wires should also be attached to the leads on the regulator. Don’t worry if the colors don’t match. They’re interchangeable. The green wire goes to the center pin on the regulator, while the blue wire should be attached to the side pin. Secure the connections with electrical tape or heat shrink tubes. Be sure to also crimp and tuck the looped wire under the black wire.
On newer model cars, you should look for the upper plug from the power module. On older cars, check the pin out diagram from your car service manual. There are two Field wires from the regulator. Make sure you have the right continuity between both wires and the alternator. You should also check the “J2” or the Key-on-Hot circuit on the same connector and verify that you have 12V when the key is on.
To complete the wiring, remove the upper plug of your power module first, as well as its battery. Strip 1/2”-3/4” of insulation off the identified three wires, and make sure to not cut the insulation. Connect the green wire from the regulator to the green Field wire, the blue wire from the regulator to the blue (“J2” switched 12V) wire, and the black ground wire to the alternator Field wire. Secure each of the connections with electrical tape.
Finally, you should use wire looms and zip ties to keep the wiring organized and guided. Then, reconnect the battery and turn on the car. Check the battery voltage to make sure it’s at 12V. Check the voltage at the alternator output point at 1000 RPM and then 2000 RPM. The voltage should be at least 14V. If the voltage is higher than 14V, it means the alternator is overcharging and you should adjust it according to the car service manual.
