Generator battery keeps dying: Common Causes & How to Fix
1Generator Voltage Regulator
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The voltage regulator controls how much voltage from the alternator goes to the battery when the engine is running. This is important to ensure that the battery remains charged. If the voltage regulator is broken, it cannot send enough voltage to the battery, causing it to drain quickly. A battery that loses its charge too fast is a sign of a faulty voltage regulator. It needs to be fixed or replaced so that the correct amount of voltage can flow again and keep the battery fully charged. Taking care of this issue is important to maintain the optimal performance of your vehicle's electrical system.
How to Replace Generator Voltage Regulator
- Disconnect the battery. Always disconnect the negative battery cable first to avoid potential sparks.
- Locate the voltage regulator. The regulator is often mounted on the body or frame of the generator. Refer to your manual for the exact location.
- Remove any mounting hardware. Use the appropriate hand tools to remove any screws, bolts, or brackets securing the regulator.
- Disconnect the wiring. Carefully detach the wiring harness or individual wires going to the voltage regulator. Make note of where each wire was connected.
- Install the new regulator. Secure the new voltage regulator in the same spot using the same hardware.
- Reconnect the wires. Attach the wiring to the same terminals as on the old regulator. Consult a wiring diagram if needed.
- Verify operation. Reconnect the battery and start the engine to ensure proper charging voltage. Check your manual for the correct voltage range.
- Secure all connections. Double check that all hardware is tight and wires are securely connected once operation is verified.
2Generator Alternator
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The alternator is the most important part of a generator. It is also called the “genhead”. The alternator takes the engine's mechanical energy and turns it into electrical energy. An alternator has two main pieces - the stator and the rotor. The stator stays still, while the rotor moves. To check if the alternator is broken, use a multimeter to test whether electricity can pass through it. This is called checking for continuity. If there is no continuity, that means the alternator is not working correctly. It would need to be repaired or replaced to get the generator running again.
How to Replace Generator Alternator
- Disconnect the battery. Always disconnect the negative battery cable first to avoid potential sparks.
- Locate the alternator. The alternator is typically mounted low on the engine block. Refer to your generator's manual for the exact location.
- Remove the drive belt. Loosen the bolts on the alternator mount to relieve tension on the belt. Then roll the belt off the pulley.
- Disconnect the wires. Detach the main output wire along with any smaller wires connected to the alternator. Make note of where each wire was connected.
- Remove mounting bolts. Use the appropriate hand tools to remove any bolts or hardware securing the alternator to the engine block.
- Install the new alternator. Secure the new alternator in place with the mounting bolts. Torque bolts to specifications in the manual.
- Reconnect all wiring. Attach all wires and electrical connectors to the same terminals as on the old alternator. Double-check connections.
- Replace the drive belt. Roll the belt over the pulley, then tighten the mount bolts to tension the belt. Consult the manual for proper belt tension.
- Verify operation. Reconnect the battery and start the engine to ensure proper charging voltage. Check the manual for voltage range.
- Secure all hardware. Once the operation is verified, tighten all bolts and connections to proper torque specs.