When this part goes bad, you’ll typically get a “flare” in your alternator’s current output, causing all of your lights to brighten up considerably. While it’s nice to have really bright lights, it’s bad for your electrical system and overcharges your battery. The voltage regulator is a small electrical device screwed just under the black plastic cover on the back of your alternator. On American-market Jags, replacing this device usually means pulling the alternator out of the car, which means pulling the smog pump out of the car, and pulling the A/C compressor out of the car. There’s an easier way.
From underneath the car, loosen the alternator belt adjuster trunion, remove the belt from the alternator, and unbolt the adjuster trunion from the alternator body. Now the alternator can swing away from the engine, allowing you to remove the upper mounting bolt (it’s tight, but you can do it). Unplug everything from the back of the alternator, and rotate the alternator so the black plastic cover is pointed toward the ground. You can’t pull the alternator out through the bottom of the car, as the sway bar gets in the way, so everything else is done from underneath with the alternator sitting in the car.
Using a nut driver set, remove the electrical connections and the two small back screws holding the plastic cover on. Take care to remember (or write down) where everything goes back. Remove the black cover and you’ll see the regulator. Take it out, and replace it with the new part. Assembly is the reverse of disassembly. This will save you an hour or more of work, plus a bunch of frustration with the lower mounting bolts on the A/C compressor (they’re a PAIN).
See our Jaguar Parts Store Catalog to order parts.
