Really dumb question, but on an 03 Civic is there a voltage regulator as part of the alternator?

 

According to the service department, no.

 

2001 shop manual shows that model year having an internal regulator in the alternator, including US market models with the ELD function. Although voltage is ECM controlled with three wires running directly from the alternator to the ECM. Functions alternator control signal, alternator FR signal, alternator L signal. US market cars have the fourth wire running directly to the ELD, which then returns to the ECM.

 

Let this be a lesson to anyone who takes the dealerships word for anything.

The Helm's manual doesn't show an internal regulator in the alternator diagram (pages 4-30 to 4-32) However, it does show the regulator in the circuit diagram on page 4-25.

Didn't have access to my manual earlier, and I don't know why the hell they pay Honda technicians so much to lie to (or misinform) the public. Seriously irritating, though. Especially when it makes me look like an ***.