HELP! What is frying my voltage regulator?

[type-j]

Hi, a few days ago i was driving and my battery light came on and eps came on. i determined it was the alternator and removed it and got it rebuilt. the shop that rebuilt it confirmed the voltage regulator was fried. So after they repaired it i re-installed into the car, started it up it ran for 10 seconds no battery light then i heard a "click" sound and the battery light came on, i went to look at the alternator and saw some smoke coming from it. i immediately shut the car off. and check everything. belt was tight all connections were good. so i started it back up and the battery light remains on with the volts showing 12v. when i hit tap on the gas it temporary turns off but volts stay the same and it comes back on at release. i still hear a "click" sound ever 5 or so seconds and im pretty sure the voltage regulator is fried again....what could be the problem? why is my alternator frying? Please Help!

 

[Sumeronthechain]

Check wires from battery to alternator, and grounds. Should be easy to track down.

Check draw rating with the car off as well.

 

[type-j]

which specific grounds should i be looking at? I haven't had the NSX for long so not familiar where everything is yet. should also mention it has a CTSC on it.

 

[pgilliam1]

Check the ground straps (both ends) from the engine to the frame. I think there are 2, 1 on the passenger side and 1 on the drivers side. I don't think loose/bad grounds will fry a voltage regulator, so check for grounds on your positive leads as well.
Good Luck!

 

[Sumeronthechain]

Just check all the wires/cables going to the alternator. Make sure there are no frayed ends or missing insulation.

 

[Bram]

You should check the alternator extension cable that was used to relocate the Alternator due to the SC on your car, these can cause problems if not connected properly.

I would also recommend that you check all the grounding cables starting from the main one at the battery tray, and into the engine bay. Since you had the clutch replaced I would pay attention to the one's within the engine bay.

IF you don't have a manual, you should download the one off Prime and used this as reference, the grounding cable location will be the same for 1991 thru 2005.

Bram

 

[type-j]

There are two engine grounds right? I found the one from the fire wall to the engine and its solid. I couldn't locate the transmission one though. Is it on the drivers side? What is it attached to? I will check the extension plug, just had a new regulator put in again and I want to make sure I cover all grounds before I install the alternator again.


EDIT: well i tightened every bolt i could find, checked all the wires and even pulled the battery out and re-installed it. turned off the shock sensor on the alarm(turned it on 2 weeks ago) threw the alt back in and fired her up. BACK TO NORMAL...no idea what the actual problem was but glad its back!