Unused Alternator Wire

[gcorsar]

While checking the back of my alternator I noticed a gray wire that wasn't connected to anything. There were the heavy black wires, a yellow/red wire, and a condenser wire, but no extra terminal that might be where the gray wire goes. After searching, I found that the gray wire is supposed to go to the voltage regulator. Wow! How is this thing running with that not connected? Or is there a newer version of the alternator that has a built-in regulator making the gray wire obsolete? Any ideas?

[wizard124]

Or is there a newer version of the alternator that has a built-in regulator making the gray wire obsolete? Any ideas?

Yes, newer cars have the alternator with a built in regulator.

[vandor]

What he said. The gray wire used to go to the voltage regulator. If you want to be sure, post a pic of the back of the alternator and we can tell you if it's the newer type with the built-in voltage regulator.

[gcorsar]

Here's the best shot of the back of the alternator I could get... A lot of stuff in the way...

[vandor]

Well, I *think* the box that is barely in the pic on the right is the voltage regulator. The rest of it looks like an internally
regulated alternator too, so I think you are safe.