Understanding How the Regulator Rectifier Works
If you want to learn how to know if regulator rectifier is bad, it’s crucial to understand how this component of your bike works in the first place. Modern bikes have batteries featuring electrical charging circuitry. A regulator rectifier is a standard component of this circuitry.
The name of this part is appropriate, as a regulator rectifier regulates and rectifies voltage. Your bike’s alternator stator coil produces AC voltage. Generally, motorcycles feature a three-component system containing three wires that link the stator to the regulator rectifier. Some bikes have single-phase designs because they cost less to manufacture, in which case there would be two wires rather than three.
In any case, the regulator rectifier converts the AC power into DC power, then regulates the DC power to ensure that the power doesn’t go over around 14.5 volts. At this point, the DC voltage routes to the battery of the bike.
Common Causes of Failure
There is a wide range of possible reasons your motorcycle’s regulator rectifier could fail. A faulty regulator rectifier could not only affect things like motorcycle values but will impact the bike’s performance on the road. One of the primary causes of failure is heat. Different motorcycle manufacturers install the regulator rectifier in different locations of the bike, with some placing the part near the radiator or other sections of the bike that impede airflow.
Depending on where your bike’s regulator rectifier is located, the part can overheat. When it overheats, the component could fail fast.
Other common causes for regulator rectifier failure involve the battery. To have voltage, the battery needs to have a reliable ground connection. If the link is bad and the voltage is faulty, this can cause the regulator rectifier to run hotter than usual. Things like poor grounding, a loose or weak battery, and a worn battery connection can all lead to regulator rectifier failure.
Key Signs to Look For
So, how to know if regulator rectifier is bad? In general, there are two primary ways that the regulator rectifier can fail. First, the diode can burnout and cause the battery to drain. You won’t have any trouble diagnosing the faulty regulator rectifier if the battery is the cause. You’ll note signs right away like poor starts, fluctuating meter readings, and dimmed headlights.
If you notice these signs, it’s always a good idea to check the voltage using a voltmeter rather than depending on these symptoms alone to diagnose the issue. If the voltage goes below
around 13 volts, the bike will start to drain the battery. When this happens, it’s only a matter of time before the engine stops completely.
The other way that your regulator rectifier could fail is when the shunt regulator burns out. If the regulator rectifier can’t moderate the voltage levels, the battery will overcharge.
You can also use a voltmeter to diagnose overcharge. If you get readings over 17 volts, this generally means that the regulator rectifier is failing to convert the excess power. All this additional voltage could make the headlights increasingly bright before blowing out.
It is essential to mention that you should always examine the condition of the components in your bike’s electrical circuitry. The step is integral when determining if the regulator rectifier is experiencing failure. Issues with any of the circuitry parts could cause failure. If your regulator rectifier has already died, take a look at the internal connections. Sometimes, a manufacturing defect could also lead to failure.
