Ralph, when are you gonna tell us what kind of car? Honda's been making Accords since like 1980, & they're not all the same...

Voltage regulator is often replaceable & mounted in the alternator. 17 volts is too high, but that depends on exactly how they measured it. If it's a 2005 with a nice shiny alternator, then get a voltage regulator. If it's a 1980 & the alternator has 500,000 miles, then get an alternator.