Voltage regulator problem

[ingramlee]

I've been having to jump start my 73 2002 recently. After jumping the car it starts and runs fine as long as I don't let it sit for more than a couple days without driving it.. Then I must jump it again. The L light on the dash no longer lights up when turning the key to start. The radio, head lights, dome light, all appear to work. The battery is only 2 years old. I have determined that the "brown" wire on the 3 prong plug into the voltage regulator is almost broken into just inside of the connector. Wiggle it and I do get continuity, but the L light still doesn't come on. The problem is I cannot get the spade out of the plug to fix it. Can I buy a new 3 prong plug with wires already attached so I can splice the wires from the alternator, or can the spade on the current plug be removed somehow? THX

[halboyles]

Here is the place I get them:  https://www.repairconnector.com/bosch-voltage-regulator-alternator-repair-connector-3-female-wire-terminals/

[Healey3000]

Hi,

 

I know the spade on the other side (alternator) can indeed be removed so it's a fair guess that the one at the regulator uses the same basic design.

 

Each spade has a tang that acts as the lock.  In the connector is a channel into which the tang slides.  Once it goes in far enough, it clicks into place.  At the face of the connector look for a small rectangular opening just above the terminal.  If there is one, slide a small flat blade screwdriver into the opening and lever down towards the terminal while pulling on the wire to extract the terminal.

 

It's dark outside so I can't check my car for this but I will do so tomorrow.

 

Good luck!

[Einspritz]

23 minutes ago, ingramlee said:

The problem is I cannot get the spade out of the plug to fix it.

That is because the spade has a locking tab that can be released with a thin piece of metal or a jeweler's screwdriver. Just push it in on the "back" side and the tab will be flattened allowing the piece to be removed. Get a new connector or bend the tab back up to engage the connector after repair. Though best to use a new spade connector.

[ingramlee]

13 minutes ago, halboyles said:

Here is the place I get them:  https://www.repairconnector.com/bosch-voltage-regulator-alternator-repair-connector-3-female-wire-terminals/

Thanks Hal... Just my luck they are out of stock.

[ingramlee]

9 minutes ago, Healey3000 said:

Hi,

 

I know the spade on the other side (alternator) can indeed be removed so it's a fair guess that the one at the regulator uses the same basic design.

 

Each spade has a tang that acts as the lock.  In the connector is a channel into which the tang slides.  Once it goes in far enough, it clicks into place.  At the face of the connector look for a small rectangular opening just above the terminal.  If there is one, slide a small flat blade screwdriver into the opening and lever down towards the terminal while pulling on the wire to extract the terminal.

 

It's dark outside so I can't check my car for this but I will do so tomorrow.

 

Good luck!

Thanks... I will check the connector again tomorrow during daylight.

[ingramlee]

3 minutes ago, Einspritz said:

That is because the spade has a locking tab that can be released with a thin piece of metal or a jeweler's screwdriver. Just push it in on the "back" side and the tab will be flattened allowing the piece to be removed. Get a new connector or bend the tab back up to engage the connector after repair. Though best to use a new spade connector.

Thank you.. I will try to fix it again tomorrow.

[ingramlee]

Could this brown wire be my issue. Everything I've read here talks about the blue wire controlling the L light on the dash.

[ray_]

I'd say that's not your only issue. I think something is draining the battery as it sits.

 

Read all this., and then check to see which circuit is draining your battery by pulling individual fuses and measuring the decrease in amp draw... and hoping to find it.

 

Cheers,

 

 

[ingramlee]

14 minutes ago, ray_ said:

I'd say that's not your only issue. I think something is draining the battery as it sits.

 

Read all this., and then check to see which circuit is draining your battery by pulling individual fuses and measuring the decrease in amp draw... and hoping to find it.

 

Cheers,

 

 

Thanks Ray. I will read this completely tomorrow and check the charging system.

[halboyles]

1 hour ago, ingramlee said:

but the L light still doesn't come on.

Put a VOM across the battery terminals.  It should show 12+ volts.  Start the car, it should now show over 13 volts.  If not, the charging system is faulty.  Could be wiring, regulator, ground, alternator,.....

 

"Just my luck they are out of stock."

 

If it turns out to be one of the three way plugs,  I can send you a plug and the locking spade connectors.

Edited November 26, 2018 by halboyles

[ingramlee]

6 hours ago, halboyles said:

Put a VOM across the battery terminals.  It should show 12+ volts.  Start the car, it should now show over 13 volts.  If not, the charging system is faulty.  Could be wiring, regulator, ground, alternator,.....

 

"Just my luck they are out of stock."

 

If it turns out to be one of the three way plugs,  I can send you a plug and the locking spade connectors.

Thanks for the offer Hal, I will keep that in mind. So last night while trying to troubleshoot the problem before going to bed, I realized this morning while looking for my keys to head off to work that I left them in the 2002 with the ignition "ON" so now the battery is completely dead. Hopefully its just the battery and nothing else is damaged from leaving the ignition on all night. Of course I cant find the post now but I thought I saw on this forum that someone else had done the same and damaged something. Thoughts?

[Buckeye]

Yes, that was when Esty's husband left key in ignition in "ON" position. check ignition coil. In her case coil exploded.

[ingramlee]

3 minutes ago, Buckeye said:

Yes, that was when Esty's husband left key in ignition in "ON" position. check ignition coil. In her case coil exploded.

Thanks Farshid. I will certainly check the coil after work tonight.

[halboyles]

On 11/25/2018 at 8:10 PM, halboyles said:

Here is the place I get them:  https://www.repairconnector.com/bosch-voltage-regulator-alternator-repair-connector-3-female-wire-terminals/

 

 

I requested that the vendor restock these and, viola, they are back in stock now if anyone needs them.