Kohler Voltage Regulator Test (Guide)
Content
A properly working Kohler voltage regulator is a must. Otherwise, you will end up with a damaged wiring harness or battery. For example, you may experience the above symptoms on a Kohler lawnmower engine. Thus, it is very important to check the Kohler voltage regulator. That is why in this post we will talk about the Kohler voltage regulator testing process.
In general, to test a Kohler voltage regulator:
- First, set the multimeter to DC voltage settings and turn off the engine.
- Then connect the red test lead to the positive battery terminal. Connect the black test lead to the negative terminal.
- Make sure the battery voltage is above 12.5V.
- Now start the engine and accelerate it to 3000 rpm.
- The voltage should be within 13-15V.
That's all. Now you know how to test Kohler's voltage regulator.
Kohler Voltage Regulator Test Process
This process can be broken down into five parts. I hope to discuss these parts in detail.
Part 1: Battery Check (Engine Off)
Here you have to check the battery voltage. If the battery voltage is above 12.5V, the battery is good. Always remember that during this part you must keep the engine off.
Step 1 - Set up your multimeter
First, set your multimeter to DC volts. Be sure to connect the connectors to the correct ports.
Step 2. Connect the sensors to the battery.
Then connect the red test lead to the positive battery terminal. Connect black test lead and negative terminal. Be sure to turn off the engine during this check.
Step 3 - Check Reading
Now check the multimeter reading. If the reading is above 12.5V, you can skip to part 2.
However, if the reading is below 12.4V, recharge the battery and repeat the test.
Keep in mind: It is imperative that the entire testing process be carried out using the correct battery. Also, if the battery voltage drops below 12.5V even after it has been recharged, it indicates that the battery is defective. So, replace the battery.
Part 2: Checking Battery Voltage at Rectifier Regulator (Engine Off)
Here you need to check the voltage regulator. Turn off the engine during this step. This part will help you identify any broken connections or blown fuses between the regulator and the battery.
Step 1 - Place the Probe on the Regulator
Place the red probe on the center terminal of the regulator and place the black probe on the surface of the regulator.
Keep in mind: Any surface corrosion of the regulator may cause incorrect results. Therefore, be sure to remove surface corrosion. (1)
Step 2 - Check Reading
The multimeter reading should be within 1V of the battery voltage.
Tip: If the multimeter does not show voltage, this indicates a broken contact or blown fuse.
Part 3. Determination of a faulty voltage regulator (motor on)
In this part, you can test the Kohler voltage regulator. To do this, you need to keep the engine running. The rectifier regulator takes the AC voltage from the stator and converts it to DC voltage. The charging system uses this constant voltage.
Step 1 - Put the sensors on the battery
Place the red test lead on the positive battery terminal and the black test lead on the negative.
Step 2. Reach 3000 rpm.
Start the engine and accelerate it to 3000 rpm. Keep accelerating for at least one minute. (2)
Step 3 - Check Reading
If the reading fluctuates between 13-15 V, this means that the charging system is working properly. If the voltage is higher than 15.5 V, this indicates a malfunction of the voltage regulator. So you may need to replace it. However, if the multimeter reads below 12.5V, you will need to check the stator.
Keep in mind: During parts 1, 2, and 3, you must keep the multimeter at the DC volts setting.
Part 4. Stator output test (engine on)
The stator is capable of generating alternating voltage. This voltage is sent to the regulator. Here you will need to check the stator output voltage.
Step 1 - Install the multimeter
The stator produces an alternating voltage. So, set your multimeter to AC voltage settings. Don't forget to start the engine.
Step 2: Check the stator terminal.
Then disconnect the stator plug from the regulator. Place the multimeter leads on the white leads of the stator plug.
Step 3 - Check Reading
If the multimeter shows 13V or more, it means the stator is working properly. If the reading is below 13 V, this is a sign of a stator failure. However, we cannot determine the state of the stator only through the output test. So, go to part 5 to confirm this.
Part 5 - Stator resistance test (engine off)
This test is done to confirm the condition of the stator. If the multimeter reads above 13V in part 04, it is not necessary to perform this test.
Step 1 - Install the multimeter
Here you are going to measure the resistance. So, set your multimeter to the ohm setting. Do not turn off the engine during this check.
Step 2 - Check the resistance of the probes
In this test, you are trying to measure a small amount of resistance. Therefore, make sure that the multimeter leads have no resistance. To test this, simply touch two probes.
Step 3 - Measure the resistance
Then disconnect the stator plug from the regulator.
Then place the multimeter leads on the white wires of the stator plug.
Step 4 - Check Reading
If the reading is 100-200 mΩ (milliohms), the resistance level is normal. If the reading is zero or infinite and the stator failed the previous output test, you may need to replace the stator.
Summing up
For some, the testing process described above can be confusing. So, here is a small summary of the previous five parts.
- Battery check: This test can check if the battery is good or not.
- Checking the battery voltage at the rectifier regulator: This test helps detect an open connection or a blown fuse between the regulator and the battery.
- Determination of a faulty voltage regulator: This test allows you to check the status of the Kohler voltage regulator.
- Stator output test: The first stage of stator testing.
- Stator resistance test: The second stage of stator testing.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- Voltage Regulator Tester
- John Deere Voltage Regulator Test
- How to test the generator voltage regulator
Recommendations
(1) Corrosion - https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/corrosion
(2) acceleration - https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/one-Dimension-motion/acceleration-tutorial/a/acceleration-article
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