I would say if the tach works the ESS is working too.

 

nope your ESS is fine if your tach and alt works
but my problem is mine don't work LOL.

 

Just wanted to touch bases and let you guys know how it is going with the external VR.

My charging system has never worked so good!!! I get a good 14.25 -14.75 volts depending on how cold it is (yep, never heard that one before but it is true. THE colder it is the more volts I get!) and my lights seem to be brightter!!

Chris

 

The external regulator costs $16 to $20 and it takes two wires and a ground. I taped onto the ASD feed for the + and one pin and cut the K20 from the PCM for the other pin. With the PCM I was getting 16.5 volts and it is now reading 14.7 volts. Only problem is the check engine lite stays on. I think the PCM is looking for the alternator.

 

What vehicle is it? Same system works with any of the "dumb" alternators... Caravan, Dakota, etc. I have not seen the ce light stay on with any of them.

 

Beware that aftermarket regulators are less than great. Many are not temperature compensated and are dirty with electrical noise. Suggest finding a OE regulator in salvage yard. JMHO

 

Interesting, find a 20 or 30 year old vehicle and use the regulator? None of them were temperature controlled. I am a ham operator and never have had electrical noise from the regulator, the alternator is a different story. The last one that I purchased for my Dodge came from Advanced Auto and cost $7.59.