Checking the generator relay-regulator: methods, principle of operation and functions

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

In any car, the device of the on-board electrical network does not occur without the participation of the regulator. Its "mission" is to maintain certain voltage parameters in a given format, to help start the power plant. How the generator relay-regulator is checked is useful for every vehicle owner to know.

Generator concept

The term includes the following significant details:

• rotor with an electromagnetic field around the winding, placed in the stator;
• does not do without a stator with three windings to receive alternating current;
• three-phase rectifier.

The task of the device is to generate the electricity necessary for the movement of the car. The second point of its purpose is to charge the battery, which is extremely sensitive to voltage. It is worth noting that with a shortage of energy, there is an “undercharge”, an excess leads to an overload. By itself, this system does not generate electricity. She isabsorbs and at the right time gives it away. This is where a controller is needed. A red light on the dashboard indicates a problem. In this case, checking the generator relay-regulator is inevitable. With his participation, the functioning of sound and lighting devices is carried out. It supplies electricity to all electrical appliances in vehicles. Engineers are equipping foreign cars with electronic control devices while introducing a brush block.

A little about the principles of the generator

After analyzing the physical foundations, the conclusion suggests itself: in electric generators, the output voltage has increased values. Their upward movement is associated with the growing speed of rotation of the rotor. The voltage value is regulated by a decrease in the strength of the electric current supplied to the rotor winding with a reduction in the speed of rotation. If malfunctions occur, an urgent check of the generator relay-regulator is required, which can be done at a car service. For what purpose did the developers create this device?

On the appropriateness of the relay

The main hope of manufacturers in the way of creating a relay device is to protect the generator mechanism. It is required to check the generator relay-regulator in order to ensure the normal functioning of this unit, to protect it from excessive loads during operation in normal or emergency mode. As the rpm increases, so does the voltage. As a result, the generator part experiences increased loads. The regulator is designed to stabilize this indicator. The relay in it normalizes the current, correcting itdirection in the field winding. How does the generator work?

About the principles of the working functionality of generator elements

Voltage occurs, is constantly present due to the connection with the battery at the output of the structure from the very beginning of the rotation of the rotor. His further path is to the excitation winding with the help of a regulatory body. The rotor speed increases, respectively, the voltage indicator changes. The relay-regulator comes into play. The sensor catches the signal, processes it, transmits it to the unit, which compares the incoming indicators with the specified values. When a sudden disorder occurs, it is necessary to check the relay-regulator, the generator voltage with the participation of special tools. Why the question arises, we will consider a little later. For now, you need to understand the classification of the relay.

Typology nuances

Relay-regulators are presented by design engineers of the automotive industry in two variations:

• Model with a combined brush assembly, fixed on the generator. Brushes are located in its body.
• A separate option is attached to the body: the wires are first synchronized with the generator and only then with the battery.

To check the integral (brush) type, you will need a charger, a low power lamp, connecting wires. You will have to dismantle the generator set. To complete the task, the screws should be unscrewed, the brush assembly removed, connecting a power source to its input, and a lamp to the output. Sometimes it becomes necessary to connect the battery, otherwisethe source may not respond. A feature of brushes is their ability to conduct electricity. The bulb lights up at a voltage of 16 volts. We can safely say that the regulator performs its functions incorrectly. There is nothing left but to change this part.

How is a single module checked?

Provided that the relay-regulator acts as a built-in module, dismantling the brush assembly is a must. The relay must also be removed from it. In a situation where the regulator is placed in an independent unit, attached to the body with clamps, the relay part must be disconnected from the wiring and removed from the brackets. Operation at a voltage of sixteen volts indicates the need for replacement.

Top Causes of Work Defects

The term "relay" means an electronic station in the form of a brush block module or as an independent body fixed on a bracket. It's impossible to disassemble. A monoblock element is filled with a sealant, for example, an epoxy substance, and, being out of order, it cannot be repaired - only replaced. In this regard, checking the relay-regulator of a VAZ generator or another brand is an urgent need in the TO format.

Electrolyte boiling off is one of the main reasons for the device to fall out of the operating mode. Their list also includes a short circuit of the circuit, a short circuit between the turns of the winding. For example, moisture has penetrated into the case, provoking incorrect operation. not excludedmechanical damage, brush wear, diode breakdown. In life, there are more electrical faults than mechanical ones. Eliminating them is more difficult. The difficulty lies in finding out the cause of the breakdown. It's not possible without testing equipment. The situation ends with the replacement of devices due to the impossibility of adjustment. How does it manifest?

Features of the "symptoms" of injuries

Experts note the following characteristic signs of "ailments":

1. Engine refuses to start normally.
2. Starter does not crank.
3. The car is unable to start from a place, being de-energized.
4. The dynamic properties of the car are falling.
5. Dim headlights when engine is turned on.
6. Battery indicator is constantly on.

Among the indirect "symptoms" the driver notices that it is necessary to check the generator relay-regulator with a multimeter on a frosty winter day. There is a shortage of charge or its overload in the battery. In the first option, the indicators go out, do not turn on on the “tidy”, the car practically does not show signs of life. In the case of the second, a similar thing happens, however, boiling of the electrolyte is added, the presence of a white coating on the battery. Here you can not do without diagnosing circuits, circuits.

Detailed control procedure

Auto mechanics use different methods. Often, for high-quality work, specialists use a special device forchecking the relay-regulators of the generator, referred to as a "voltmeter". First you need to know that a voltage of 12.7V is considered normal. The battery device needs recharging when it reaches the mark of 12. The motor is started, and the multimeter is set to a value of 20 volts. The probes are connected to the terminals: voltage up to 14 V - everything is normal. Next, it's time to add the number of revolutions. The voltage rose to 14.2? Also in order! Above these numbers? It's time to change the relay.

A simple way to diagnose a Zhiguli

There are many diagnostic methods today, but the action formula is the same for everyone. To clearly check the generator relay-regulator on the VAZ-2107, a tester, the most powerful LED lamp, and a power source are useful. The scheme is similar to that used for diagnosing a relay with a brush assembly. Normal condition: The light bulb emits light at twelve volts. Dims or glows for a long time at other values - you cannot avoid purchasing new electronics.

Subtleties of diagnostic manipulations in a car service

For auto-tractor special equipment, a test bench for generator relay-regulators manufactured by industry brands is used. How is a generator diagnosed? The device operates from a 380 V network. A rechargeable battery is connected to it, sometimes two pieces. The unit is placed on the working platform, fixing the chain stretched from the control panel. Then control and power wires are connected to the generator. Rotation is started from the remote control to the required value. At the same time, the operator increases the electrical load.

When carrying out the procedure with the relay, a mode specially developed for this purpose is activated on the stand. The operator sets the verification protocol. Electronics helps identify problems in seconds.

Recommendations for Extending Regulator Life

By adhering to a set of rules, you can enjoy comfortable rides on your favorite "iron horse" for longer.

• Don't ignore the contaminated state of the device. It is better to periodically inspect it, parse it, clean it.
• The darkening of the electrical windings is a serious reason to think about taking vehicles for maintenance.
• The purity of the energy storage is a guarantee of reliability, durability of the device. Contacts are oxidized at the slightest penetration of raindrops, this adversely affects the performance of electrical appliances. Dirt particles cause disturbances in the charging current. Contacts, terminals like timely cleaning. It does not hurt to monitor the condition of the drive, bearings.

In conclusion, we can say that verification manipulations are a simple procedure that every car owner can do with minimal knowledge of the basics of repair. To replace a damaged element, it is recommended to come to a car repair shop for competent actions. Assistants will be a tester for checking the relays of generator regulators, a power supply, even an LED can come up. The main thing is to make the connections correctly.