Hey Scotty,
I got a 2017 Honda Accord EX-L that has a little under 14,000 miles on it. Recently, the car was failing to crank over on startup, but showed no warning lights on the dash. I promptly went to my local auto parts store to the get the battery and alternator tested. The battery ended up being bad, so I went ahead and replaced it. I thought I might've spotted a bit of corrosion on the positive battery terminal, but it didn't look green or splotchy for me to tell. When the alternator was tested, however, the test revealed the voltage regulator was failing and could possibly cause the new battery to overcharge/not charge at all. The car is now sitting at a shop waiting to get its alternator replaced.
What can cause a voltage regulator on an alternator to fail, and how can I prevent it? Are there any codes that still have to be cleared in order for the new battery and alternator to operate properly?
the test revealed the voltage regulator was failing
I didn't think they still used regulators in 2017.
My 2013 vehicle doesn't even have one.
Unless you mean "rectifier"
how can I prevent it?
you can't, nor should you need to. OEM Honda stuff should be pretty good.
Things just fail. That's just statistics. Sometimes you get the short straw.
Try to avoid deeply discharging your battery. (using the lights or radio with the engine off).
Are there any codes that still have to be cleared in order for the new battery and alternator to operate properly?
Nope. Should work regardless. And you said you didn't have any warning lights.
My 1999 Cherokee doesn't even have a voltage regulator, charging is controlled by the ECM.
Nothing to really prevent it. When the alternator is not putting out about 14 volts at the battery at idle, it's time for a new alternator.
