ignation warning light will not go out

[simmitc]

green/yellow should be blocked oil filter warning light. The ignition (no charge warning) light should have a white feed on one side, switched by the ignition, and a thin brown/yellow going to the alternator, via the connector block. It sounds as though someone has been fiddling with your wiring harness.

[alanlad]

Thanks for the colour code I will look in the morning and yes someone has had a go at the warning lights before me. Before connecting the new alternator it would be an idea to get the warning lights in order.
Alan

[bmcecosse]

I still think there is probably nothing wrong with your alternator - you still don't report the voltage readings at the battery - both with engine off and engine on.....

[alanlad]

The battery was 12.5v,the alternator did not register on the meter on or off.
Tried at 2000 revs and still no show on alternator
Alan

[alanlad]

Have connected the warning light that is brown & yellow that has a white second wire. The brown/yellow makes sense as one of the thin wires in the connecting block to the alternator is the same colour. Back to where we started as the ignition light is on all the time, with the car on or off the light is on.
The readings from the meter show battery is on but no power on the alternator?

[ASL642]

Have you checked this alternator out. Could this one be dodgey too?

[bmcecosse]

You keep dodging the question - where are you measuring the 'alternator' voltage? You must not run the alternator without it being connected to the battery. The new alternator will NOT be faulty - and i don't think the old one is either....... Your wiring is wrong. I go back to the point in time when you fitted a different battery - are you absolutely absolutely SURE that the Negative terminal of the new battery is connected to the earth strap??

[phurn]

stupid question, but are you trying ot measure voltage AT the alternator, or are you reading it accross the battery with the engine running? ie, 12.5v with ignition off, then with it on the battery is still 12.5v? in all honesty the odds of two alternators being duff are slim

[ASL642]

Could you post your location. There may be someone local to you who could come and help with this problem. It's probably one of those silly things that another pair of eyes will spot immediately.

[simmitc]

If the ignition light is on all the time then the white lead must be getting power without being switched. This could arise if it has been connected to the same terminal on the ignition switch as the feed; or if it has been connected to completely the wrong place. I suggest that you get the wiring diagram from a workshop manual and trace all the wires that you can. It won't be perfect as many diagrams do not have an alternator, and those that do might have the external regulator. However, use the library to get hold of a manual for the Mini (the real one, not the modern one) and the colours will be the same. You can then check all wires. A good meter will assist greatly.

My concern is that the problems supposedly started when changing the battery, but all the symptoms point to something not related to the battery. I hope that you get to the bottom of it. Why not join your local branch and get some help from there?

[alanlad]

Hi
The second alternator has been fitted and still the ignation light is on,so it most be a fault in whe new wireing loom.
Have asked a friend who knows a loot more then me on this subject to have a look but that is not for a week or so.
So back to putting Danish on the new wood and getting it tidy, it's a pity as we about at the MOT stage.

[bmcecosse]

Still no volts readings.......and no check of the -ve earth? These are simple checks for you to do - folks are taking the time here to try to help you, but you don't seem to want to help us to help you ??

[alanlad]

Sorry if I've given the wrong impression,fed up with the car at present as so close to on the road but so far. Every thing I try ends up with the red light still on which I've looked at time and again and it's beyond me to solve.
alan

[bmcecosse]

Well - can understand - but if you answered the questions we could provide more help.

[alanlad]

Hi
Just checked the battery is 12.5,the alternator no show at all. Again as soon as the alternator is conected the red light comes on and will not go
what is ve..earth?
Just checked and all electrics apart from the indicators are working ( not sure why they have stopped )?
Never had to do the electrics before and with all this trouble hope it is the last.
Alan

[bmcecosse]

The battery has a +ve terminal and a -ve terminal - will be clearly marked on the top of the battery. The -ve terminal MUST be connected to the braid wire that will be bolted to the body of the car nearby. The +ve terminal MUST be connected to the black plastic/rubber insulated cable that will be connected to the starter solenoid nearby. If these connections are the wrong way round the alternator WILL NOT work - and will very possibly have been damaged by the wrong connection. You have at least answered one question I was planning - if the red light was ON when the alternator was not connected, and you have confirmed it is not. Only coming on when the alternator is connected. Check the battery connections and report back.. Electricity on a Minor is very very simple - don't panic about it!

[alanlad]

The + is going to the solenoid,the - is conected to the car body.
For over 30 years of my life I've told youngsters that football is easy but not many could do.
Alan

[phurn]

But you still don't say how you check the alternator, you do so by taking the battery reading yes?

[alanlad]

I have a 12v battery & alternator tester,
Battery Check is
1) 5.0v Red Light
2)12v yelloe light
3)12.5v good
My battery lights up all 3 so fully charged
The alternator has the same light system
!3v Low Red light
13.5v normal yellow light
14v strong green light
No lights light up so not working
I have 2 of these testers ( ones a friends ) and both are the same so not a faulty meter reading

[bmcecosse]

Hmmm -so at least the battery is right way round! Good -no damage done then! Where do you connect the alternator tester ?? On the battery terminals (I hope).
Football IS easy - although I do admire the Quarterback - the way he can throw that ball!