Is this regulator going to be a problem?

by "Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
Published 11/11/2017 at 11:30

Tags: Saab 900 ; project ; wrenching
STARS: 1

This is the voltage regulator that came in for the Saab’s alternator. It appears to be a good match in the picture above, but look at this:

It’s missing what appears to be a resistor. Should I be worried? Will this affect charging, or cause interference...?

You may have noticed that aside from the country of origin, the part number is also different. But this is what the parts catalog brought up as a direct replacement. It’ll fit, and the brushes are in the right place, but I’m not sure what to make of that (resistor?).

Oh, and while I have your attention:

This is the replacement coil that my brother ordered. It came in an Airtex box, but it says PVL, and Bosch on the label. I’ve seen competitor names and part numbers on product listings for cross-reference purposes, but never on the actual part itself. It sure doesn’t look like a genuine Bosch unit, as there are no Bosch logos stamped on it, only the name on the label. Is PVL a sub-brand of Bosch or something, and what does this have to do with Airtex? 

Replies (5)

"jimz" (jimz)
11/11/2017 at 11:41, STARS: 3

that looks more like a capacitor, probably for electrical noise suppression. the new regulator may not need one or has one integrated where you can’t see it.

"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
11/11/2017 at 11:45, STARS: 0

Ah, didn’t think about it being a capacitor. Good catch. I can’t read the markings on it at all.

"I have another burner, try to guess it!" (ihaveanotherburner)
11/11/2017 at 11:56, STARS: 1

I was on rockauto yesterday and under a denso sensor it said “part may be manufactured by a contracted supplier.” Or something. So it may be Bosch paying other people to make the parts they supply lol.

"facw" (facw)
11/11/2017 at 13:19, STARS: 2

I bought this Denso 453-3002 First Time Fit Cabin Air Filter from Amazon, which (as pictured) was actually labeled as Mahle. I believe Mahle makes the OEM part, so fine by me.

"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
11/13/2017 at 13:00, STARS: 1

Regulator should be fine. IIRC my replacement was also missing a part (be it a cap or a resistor) but it hasn’t caused any issues thus far.