How to Test a John Deere Voltage Regulator (5 Step Guide)
The voltage regulator regulates the electrical current coming from the stator of the John Deere lawnmower so that its battery is charged with a smooth current that will not damage it. As such, it is very important to have it checked regularly to make sure it is in good working order and that if a problem occurs, you can resolve it quickly to prevent further damage to your vehicle.
In this article, let me discuss how a voltage regulator works and give you more details on the testing process for your John Deere voltage regulator.
5 Steps to Check Your John Deere Voltage Regulator
When testing a lawn mower with a voltage regulator, you need to know how to use a voltmeter. Now let's test the AM102596 John Deere voltage regulator as an example. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Find your voltage regulator
Park your John Deere on a firm and level surface. Then apply the parking brake and remove the key from the ignition. Raise the hood and locate the voltage regulator on the right side of the engine. You can find the regulator in a small silver box attached to the engine.
Step 2. Connect the black lead of the voltmeter to ground.
Disconnect the voltage regulator plug from below. Then turn on the voltmeter and set it to the ohm scale. Locate the ground wire under the bolt that secures the voltage regulator to the engine block. Connect the black lead of the voltmeter to the bolt with the ground wire underneath. Then you can find three pins under the regulator.
Step 3: Connect the red lead of the voltmeter to the farthest pin.
Connect the red lead of the voltmeter to the terminal farthest from ground. The voltmeter reading should be 31.2 M. If this is not the case, the voltage regulator should be replaced. But proceed to the next step if the readings are correct.
Step 4: Transfer the red wire to the middle pin
Hold the black wire to the ground while moving the red wire to the middle pin. Voltmeter readings should be between 8 and 9 M. Otherwise, replace the voltage regulator. Proceed to the next step if the readings are correct.
Step 5: Move the red wire to the nearest pin
However, keep the black wire on the ground and move the red wire to the pin closest to ground. Study the results. The voltmeter reading should be between 8 and 9 M. If this is not the case, the voltage regulator must be replaced. But if all of these readings are correct and up to standard, your voltage regulator is in good shape.
Bonus Step: Test Your Battery
You can also test the John Deere voltage regulator by battery voltage. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Customize your car
Make sure you park your car on a level, hard surface. Turn the ignition key to the off position and apply the parking brake.
Step 2: Charge the battery
Return to the "neutral" position with the pedal. Then raise the tractor hood and turn the ignition key one position to turn on the headlights of the mower without turning off the engine for 15 seconds to slightly stress the battery.
Step 3: Install and Connect Voltmeter Leads to Battery
Turn on the voltmeter. Then set it to 50 DC scale. Connect the positive red voltmeter lead to the positive (+) battery terminal. Then connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to the negative (-) battery terminal.
Step 4: Check the voltmeter reading
Start your car engine and set the throttle to the fastest position. During five minutes of operation, the battery voltage should remain between 12.2 and 14.7 volts DC.
F.A.Q.
What is John Deere Voltage Regulator (Lawn Mower)?
The John Deere lawnmower's voltage regulator keeps the machine's battery charged at all times. It runs on a 12 volt system to keep the battery charged. To send back to the battery, the stator at the top of the motor must generate 14 volts. The 14 volts must first pass through the voltage regulator, which equalizes voltage and current, ensuring that the battery and electrical system are not damaged. (1)
In my example, which is AM102596, this is the voltage regulator used in single cylinder Kohler engines found on John Deere lawn tractors. The voltage regulator regulates the electrical current flowing from the stator, ensuring that the battery is charged at a constant rate that won't damage it. (2)
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- Voltage Regulator Tester
- How to use a multimeter to check the voltage of live wires
- How to check the car ground wire with a multimeter
Recommendations
(1) electrical system - https://www.britannica.com/technology/electrical-system
(2) lawn - https://extension.umn.edu/lawncare/environmental-benefits-healthy-lawns
