Ignition Light

[jedgarrett]

Hi all I have posted this problem already and had an answer but I've lost the thread!!
Here goes again,when turning the ignition on the ignition light does not come on,with the engine running and testing the battery output I am not showing any increase in power from the battery even when reving the engine,is a new alternator the answer or is there another way of testing this,the bulb is ok
Thanks

[bmcecosse]

Was the alternator working ok before -and then stopped working? Has any other work been done on the car - battery removed/refitted - or any welding work done on the car ? Battery definitely connected with the -VE terminal to earth (body of car)??
To check the red light - Ign on - remove the small wire from the alternator and touch it to earth - does the light come on??

[beero]

User Control Panel - View your posts - will find the old post.

[jedgarrett]

Thanks will have a look at next oportunity

[jedgarrett]

Was the alternator working ok before -and then stopped working? Has any other work been done on the car - battery removed/refitted - or any welding work done on the car ? Battery definitely connected with the -VE terminal to earth (body of car)??
To check the red light - Ign on - remove the small wire from the alternator and touch it to earth - does the light come on??

The battery has been disconnected a few times,the alternator was working fine prior to a problem with the indicaters (dodgey flasher unit) I tried the thin wire to earth (in my case a thin yellow and brown wire) and the ignition light came on,the battery is earthed ok.

[bmcecosse]

Ok - so the Ign light is working ok. Better check that the other (heavier) wire to the alternator is correctly attached - and MAKE SURE the battery is connect up -VE earth.

[jedgarrett]

Ok am I correct in thinking ve earth is negative earth?

[MarkyB]

Yes. Negative earth.
The only positive earth alternators were fitted to panda cars as far as I know.

[mike.perry]

Have you been running the engine with the battery disconnected? That is sure to bxxxxcks the alternator.

[jedgarrett]

No,think I might have to get a repair kit or exchange the alternator as I'm pretty certain that is the problem,thanks to all.

[bmcecosse]

Most likely problem is worn or sticking brushes. Is the alternator 'ancient' ? Is it a Lucas ACR type?

[jedgarrett]

Many thanks,I've bitten the bullet and purchased a new alternator,fitted it not too long ago and tested,all is well ,son is happy no more walking to work

[bmcecosse]

If it wasn't exchange - pull the old one to bits to see what went wrong....... It may just need a set of inexpensive brushes - handy to have a working spare.....

[jedgarrett]

Was exchange but if it happens again then repair kit will bethe direction I go I think

[bmcecosse]

All being equal - an alternator should last for at least 10 years.......