ignition light question

[Jonnyd]

Hi,
last week I got a new battery and replaced the old one that wasnt holding a charge. Ive noticed that when idling the ign light doesnt come on all the time (no choke). Everything else seems fine, and the ign light comes on when you turn the key.

Ive searched the internet/these forums and couldnt find anything.
Is this something to worry about/one of those things/or anything else?

Thanks for all your hep so far and sorry for asking lame questions

[mogbob]

Don't panic.
So long as the ignition light comes on when you insert and turn the key to start and then it goes out again, it's OK.

Your new battery is fully charged and the car's demand on the battery can be coped with.

With time, the power will discharge and then, when you switch on, the warning light will stay on a little longer.The car will need a few more revs (more than just tickover ) to work the dynamo sufficiently, to generate electricty, to replace the power taken by the elctrical system.
When the input ( from the dynamo ) is greater than the output ( electric demand,engine,wipers,lights, heater,etc ) the warning light will stay out.At idle, with everything switched on and a poor battery the dynamo will really struggle to keep up.
Relax and enjoy the car.
Bob

[Jonnyd]

Thanks Bob, will do

[bmcecosse]

Check the volts with a meter and report back.

[Jonnyd]

it seems to be working as normal now, but will do when I can get my hands on a voltmeter

[Jonnyd]

aha! I spoke well too soon there. Flat battery this morning. As soon as I have some time I will take it step by step and check all the wiring.
Looking at the wiring diagram I wonder if the interior light is the suspect. It (and the horn) didnt work for a while and then it seemed to sort itself out (I had the fuel pump to worry about at the time). Last time I charged the old battery up on the car the interior light couldnt be switched off, again within a minute it sorted itself out.
Like I say I will check everything methodically when I can. Time is an issue however