jimmypAMG

So I was driving today and smelled a burning plastic smell so I pulled over and popped the hood and the smell was coming from the front passenger side. I know this is notorious for happening when the voltage regulator/alternator is going out. Drove a few miles, and by the time I got to work I got the low voltage warning on the dash. Funny thing is, the whole time the car was making a humming noise at idle. Has any one else had this noise happen to them under the same circumstances?? Is it safe to say the actual alternator is bad and not the regulator due to the noise???

novae500

replacing the VR works for most, but in some cases, the whole alternator needs replacing.

Denroll

There's a really informative thread called the Voltage Regulator DIY replacement with over 100 posts. Worth a read.

jimmypAMG

The thing is making a god awful humming/whining noise so I will probably replace the whole alternator.

MTV10

Happened to me.
Went with a new Bosch Alternator. No issues since.