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Ignition Light

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:36 am
by 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

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:46 am
by 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??

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 10:33 pm
by beero
User Control Panel - View your posts - will find the old post.

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2011 3:09 pm
by jedgarrett
Thanks will have a look at next oportunity

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 4:31 pm
by jedgarrett
bmcecosse wrote: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.

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 5:19 pm
by 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.

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 7:18 pm
by jedgarrett
Ok am I correct in thinking ve earth is negative earth?

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 7:49 pm
by MarkyB
Yes. Negative earth.
The only positive earth alternators were fitted to panda cars as far as I know.

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 9:47 pm
by mike.perry
Have you been running the engine with the battery disconnected? That is sure to bxxxxcks the alternator.

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 2:21 pm
by 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.

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 4:14 pm
by bmcecosse
Most likely problem is worn or sticking brushes. Is the alternator 'ancient' ? Is it a Lucas ACR type?

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:48 pm
by 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 :D

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 8:46 pm
by 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.....

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 3:59 pm
by jedgarrett
Was exchange but if it happens again then repair kit will bethe direction I go I think

Re: Ignition Light

Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 6:59 pm
by bmcecosse
All being equal - an alternator should last for at least 10 years.......