Relay regulator VAZ
Replacing the VAZ 2110 generator relay can be done in two ways: with removing the generator and without removing it. Both options can be done at home, although the second involves fewer manipulations with the car. But despite this, the first option may be simpler for some. Anyone can replace the VAZ 2110 generator regulator relay if they read and study the instructions below.
Examination
It happens that the generator begins to act up ahead of schedule and the battery does not charge properly. Actually, it serves to ensure the operation of the source of electricity to power all cars - the battery.
We advise you to rely not only on our instructions, but also on video lessons that will allow you to carry out repairs and replacements with your own hands, even without much experience.
Troubleshooting
The first step is to determine whether your generator is actually the source of the problem. To check, you need to carry out a series of sequential activities.
- Start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature.
- Increase the crankshaft speed to approximately 3 thousand rpm.
- Turn on all the headlights, activate the high beams, start the heater, emergency lights, heated glass, and wiper blades. That is, all electricity consumers should be turned on as much as possible.
- Measure the voltage on the battery.
- If the device shows less than 13V, then a short circuit or break has most likely occurred in the generator windings.
- Another option is a breakdown of the voltage regulator, oxidation of the contacts of the excitation winding ring.
You can check for breaks and the condition of other elements of the generator only by dismantling it. But if you don’t have any experience in disassembling a generator, then you shouldn’t try to go there with your own hands. Replace the entire assembly or entrust the repair to professionals.
What is a generator voltage regulator?
The voltage regulator is a relay that closes and opens the electrical circuit at the right times. In cars, this relay works to limit the output voltage. The fact is that a generator with a certain rotor speed can produce a specific voltage. Since the rotor speed constantly depends on the crankshaft speed, the voltage changes accordingly. To maintain a given voltage, a special device was developed that helps create an output voltage within the range of 12 - 14 Volts.
The first voltage relay was made in the form of an electromagnet, which opened with a change in the input value, and closed again when the voltage dropped, thus, the voltage in the electrical circuit of the on-board system was kept within a strictly specified range. This range is necessary for the correct operation of electrical devices. If you increase the voltage to values exceeding the nominal values, the device will simply fail.
Another stage in the development of mechanical relays was the emergence of a semiconductor device, which works much more accurately and reliably. A semiconductor relay has smaller dimensions and a special indicator that indicates whether the device is working or has failed.
The main difference between a mechanical relay and a semiconductor relay is the ability to make adjustments. If the output voltage of the supply circuit has changed, then by changing the position of a special device, you can set new values that will allow the relay to operate for a long time.
If the regulator relay fails, it must only be replaced!!!
Dismantling
To disassemble, remove and repair or replace the generator, you will need to do the following.
- Drive onto an inspection hole or overpass to have access to the bottom and engine compartment.
- Remove the battery, otherwise it will not allow you to get to the nut that holds the generator you are looking for.
- Next, the same nut and adjustment bar are removed. Here you will need a 17 mm wrench. Use an extension cord. This will make the task easier; you will have to apply less force to unscrew the fastener.
- In the engine compartment, remove the shield that performs dirt protection functions.
- Now the drive belt is removed and the wires are disconnected.
- Be sure to remove the protective cap and use a 10mm wrench to unscrew the nut that holds the tip and positive cable of your battery.
- There is another nut on the fixing bracket, which will also have to be unscrewed.
- That's it, you can remove the generator. Just remember to pull out the long bolt first.
- When removing, keep an eye on the buffer sleeve. It won't be good if you lose it.
Replacing the battery charging relay
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
2. Turn off the minus generator
3. Unscrew the nut securing the “plus” of the generator and remove the plastic cover by bending the latches
4. Unscrew the two screws securing the voltage regulator (the generator has been removed for clarity) and remove it
The brushes must protrude from the voltage regulator by at least 5mm. My brushes protruded 1-1.2 cm.
Almost new, one might say. The brushes did not jam and were generally in good condition. Next, I cleaned the terminals of the battery itself and the “+” contacts or, as it is also called, the “B” output of the generator. I measured the voltage again - the picture was the same. The charge is bad. After weighing all the pros and cons, I decided not to disassemble the generator (if you decide to disassemble the generator here), but to replace the voltage regulator (despite the good condition of the brushes). This element in the generator is perhaps the cheapest. I bought it for 230 rubles. Having replaced the regulator and started the engine, I hastened to check the voltage. The long-awaited reading of 14.1V appeared on the multimeter. Having turned on the low beam, stove, speakers and heated glass, the device showed 13.6V. The battery began to charge again. Next, I removed the battery and charged it at home. Now, two weeks later, all battery readings are normal. I hope this article will be useful to someone.
Fuses and relays VAZ 2110 - 2112, electrical diagrams
If some devices on your VAZ 2110 or VAZ 2112 , fuses or relays may be to blame. At the very least, the first thing you need to do is check them, and then draw some conclusions regarding the malfunctions.
Correct diagnosis of many electrical problems will allow you to accurately determine the cause of the inoperability of a particular unit. To find out what the fuses and relays of the VAZ 2110 - 2112 are responsible for and how to find the right one, read this article.
As in many other cars, in the VAZ-2112 and VAZ-2110, when the engine is turned off, the devices are powered directly from the battery. When the engine is running, voltage is supplied to the devices from the generator, which simultaneously charges the battery. If the current exceeds the permissible value or a short circuit occurs, the circuit fuse will blow. Powerful electrical appliances are connected via relays.
Checking the generator relay on a car
Replacing the VAZ 2110 generator regulator relay
However, before proceeding with the replacement, you need to check whether the problem is really with a faulty relay. In this case, it will be checked directly on the car. To do this you need:
- Take a voltmeter with a scale of 15-30.
- Turn on the engine.
- Turn on the headlights (see Replacing headlights on a VAZ 2110: do it yourself).
- The motor must run for at least 15 minutes.
Note: you can turn on speed 2, but it is best to turn on speed 3, since this will use a little less gasoline. And the result will be achieved much faster.
- The voltage must be measured between the “B+” terminal and the generator ground. However, it should not be less than or more than 13.2-14.7 V.
- Replacing the relay is necessary if both undercharging and overcharging are observed.
Checking the removed relay
Replacing the regulator relay on a VAZ 2110 generator
It is advisable to check the relay together with the brush holder, since in some cases problems arise due to poor contact between the relay and the brushes. To check the regulator after removing it, you must:
- Turn on a 12 V lamp between its brushes.
- First, connect a power source with a voltage of 12 V to the “D+” relay terminal. If the relay is faulty, the lamp will light up.
- Then you need to take a more powerful current source - 15-16 V. If the relay does not work correctly, the light will go out.
Note: The lamp may be on or off in both cases. If it lights up in both places, it means there are breakdowns in the regulator. At the same time, if the light does not light, then there is no contact between the brushes, which can result from a broken wire.
Capacitor check
Generator relay VAZ 2110
By the way, many people confuse a faulty relay with a faulty capacitor (see Changing the capacitor (VAZ 2110 generator)), since the “symptoms” are quite similar. Thus, if after checking the relay, it is clear that it is fully operational, but the voltage generator is not working well, then you need to check the capacitor. It protects all electronic equipment from voltage surges. To check its operation, you should:
- Turn on the radio. If there is interference in its operation, then all is not well with the capacitor. The engine must also be turned on.
- You can check its serviceability using a megger or tester. When connected to a capacitor, the needle should quickly move to the side and then slowly return to its original position.
Fuse and relay box
The fuse and relay box is located on the left, lower part of the instrument panel. It is accessible by pressing the button and folding the lid down. To remove fuses, there are special non-conductive pliers in the upper left part of the mounting block.
1 - K5 - high beam relay . If the high beams in two headlights do not work, check this relay. If one of the high beam headlights does not work, check fuses F3 and F13, as well as the lamps and the high beam switch.
2 - K4 - low beam relay . If the low beam in both headlights does not work, check this relay. If only one low beam headlight does not work, check fuses F2 and F12, as well as the lamps themselves and the light switch.
3 - K1 - lamp health control relay.
4 - non-conductive tweezers for removing fuses.
5 - power window relay . If your power windows stop working, check this relay. It could also be in fuse F5, or in the window lift drive system itself. To get to the mechanism, you need to remove the door trim. Check the electric motor, the appearance of the gears and the absence of binding of the mechanism.
6 - K3 - turn signal and hazard warning relay . If your turn signals or hazard lights do not work, check this relay and fuse F16, as well as the turn signal lamps themselves and their switch.
7 - starter relay . If the car does not start and the starter does not turn, check this relay. It could also be a dead battery, as well as the starter mechanism itself.
8 - backup fuses.
9 - fog lamp relay . If the fog lights do not work, check this relay and fuses F4 and F14. Also check their connection diagram, the serviceability of the wiring and connectors, as well as the lamps in the headlights and the power button.
10 - K2 - windshield wiper and washer relay . If your windshield wipers or windshield washer are not working, check this relay. Also check the wiper motor, washer pump and washer fluid level in the washer reservoir.
11 - K7 - rear window heating relay . If the heating does not work and the rear window fogs up, check this relay and fuses F8 and F9. Also check the connection contacts to the terminal points of the heating elements (at the edges of the glass at the rear pillars). If everything is in order, but the heating does not work, the issue may be in the wiring (the wires are frayed or something else).
12 - K6 - add. relay, ignition relay . If your ignition does not turn on or is having problems with it, check this relay. This relay protects the ignition switch contacts from burning. Also check the ignition switch itself and the contact group.
13 - row of fuses F1-F10
14 - row of fuses F11-F20
How to find out that it is the relay that is broken and not the generator itself
Many people believe that if the battery does not hold a charge, then the problem is in the generator. However, sometimes this can be caused by a faulty relay regulator. To check what exactly is not working, you need to do the following:
- Open the hood of the car.
- Start the engine. Put 2 or 3 speed on the gearbox.
- Remove the battery terminal.
Note: this is necessary to ensure that a short circuit does not occur in the system.
- If after this the machine still works, then the relay is faulty. But if the car stalls, then the reason is still in the generator.
Advantages of a three-level relay
The voltage regulator is mounted on board the machine, while the generator brushes and panel are mounted directly into the generator. Thanks to these three levels, the battery will remain charged for a long time, and its service life will increase significantly. These levels are:
- Minimum level. It is necessary for the car to work even in the hottest conditions. That is, it will not stall even in areas where the air temperature exceeds +20 degrees. In addition, the car can withstand even the highest slopes.
Note: this level is required in the summer.
- Level "norm". Allows the machine to operate under normal conditions.
- Level "maximum". Necessary for using the machine even at sub-zero temperatures. At the same time, the car will be able to start even with a discharged battery.
Circuit breakers
Now let's see which fuses are responsible for what in the same mounting block. I will also give the main reasons for troubleshooting.
F1 (5 A) - license plate lighting lamps, dashboard lighting, side lights on the panel, trunk lamp, left side lights . If any of the listed lamps do not work, check this fuse, as well as the lamps themselves and their contacts. If everything is in order, check the headlight switch button.
F2 (7.5 A) - low beam in the left headlight . If both low beam headlights do not work, also check relay K4 and the lamps themselves. It could also be the light switch and its contacts.
Reasons for replacement
Relay replacement is needed in the following cases:
- The brushes are worn out. By the way, this is the main reason. The fact is that due to their wear, contact with the relay is lost, so due to lack of power, the generator will stop working.
- A breakdown is observed in the circuit, which leads to an increase in voltage in the system.
- Wire breaks causing loose contacts.
- Damage to the housing or fastenings. This is not something to joke about, as it can lead to an unwanted short circuit.
Relay replacement
Note: It is usually black and is attached to the generator with a yellow wire.
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Unscrew the two bolts securing the generator.
- Remove the yellow wire going to the relay from the generator.
- Remove the relay. Examine it carefully. If the brushes are worn out, replacement cannot be avoided.
- If any of the wires are broken or there are holes on its surface, then you can only get by by replacing them.
Note: you can simply insulate them without even replacing them with new ones. Although the relay is inexpensive - only 70 rubles.
- Check the new voltage regulator, and then attach it to the generator.
- Reconnect the yellow wire and battery terminal.
As noted earlier, you can replace the relay with your own hands. The main thing is to familiarize yourself with the work process in advance so that questions do not arise later. To do this, you can find photos in various auto repair magazines. It’s much easier to use videos, of which there are many on the Internet. Our instructions will also help in this difficult matter. But the price of home repairs will not exceed 100 rubles.
What else could it be?
Often, the culprit for charging problems may not be the regulator itself, but its terminals; over time, like many on a car, they oxidize - which prevents the generator from working normally and recharging our battery, so first, before changing this unit, try to clean it, remove oxides and other deposits. By the way, this also applies to the battery terminals; they need to be cleaned and protected at least once a season.
Therefore, first of all, if the multimeter gives you 11 or slightly below 12V at the terminals of the machine, try cleaning the terminals and contacts first, then measure again. It is quite possible that this is the reason.
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Replacement and removal of the electric generator
The generator on a VAZ car is removed either for complete replacement in case of failure or to carry out repair work to replace faulty parts. To perform dismantling, prepare a standard set of tools; it is advisable to drive the car into the inspection hole.
- Disconnect the battery.
- Remove the protective rubber cap from terminal “30” and unscrew the nut and remove it from the wire stud.
- Disconnect the block with wires from the generator connector.
- We loosen the tightening of the generator to the adjusting bar, then lift it all the way up to the cylinder block and remove the belt from the pulleys.
- Completely unscrew the bolt securing the adjusting bar to the cylinder block, then from the bottom of the car unscrew the 2 bolts securing the lower bracket to the block and remove the generator, pulling it out of the engine compartment.