My 1995 Dodge Cummins was showing a low charge on the dash Volt meter. The batteries and alternator checked out. I talked to a friend who said it sounded like a problem in the central computer. He also said it is commonly corrected by installing an external voltage regulator. I watched a videos on Youtube, took notes and watched them over and over.

I bought a voltage regulator for 70's and 80's Chrysler and Dodge products. As per the videos, I ran a power source from the fuel shut off solenoid (which is hot only when the key is on), I installed a 20 amp fuse on the power source wire. I ran two wires to the field wires coming from the alternator. One from the regulator and another from the power wire between the regulator and the power source. I cut the old field wires that ran to the central computer. I ran a ground wire from the alternator case to a regulator mounting screw. I also ran another ground wire from the regulator mounting screw to a nearby location where something else was grounded. I sanded the paint off where my ground connections wee made.

It is charging, but at 15.7 volts to 16 volts (according to my volt meter and the dash one). Is that too much? I bought another regulator and installed it. No change. I have gone over the videos and I am sure I did everything correct. I even soldered most of my splices.







Any help would be appreciated!

 

How is your new regulator grounded?

 

The regulator is grounded by the mounting screws. I sanded of the paint where the screws attach it. I ran a wire from one of the regulator mounting screws to a small bolt on the alternator case. I also ran another wire from the mounting screw on the regulator to a another screw attaching a ground wire to the inner fender.

 

If it's a "box parts store" regulator it may be just cheap Chinese junk, not really good for the higher output alternators. I have went through 5, I believe, and all either fluctuate so bad it looks like my hi beams are flashing or simply over charge. All from Napa or Autozone or pepboys. Some were ok for a few weeks, some were bad out of the box. Going for a Mopar part off a first gen next, (this week) so we will see....I'll try to dig up the part number if you'd like.

Found it, Mopar # 5234625 (thanks patdaly! )

 

Thanks for the information. I am going to try another regulator.
Is that one adjustable?

 

Is it that high across the battery terminals or just at the output of the alternator? Just curious.