[ROVERNET - UK] Electrical Question

[David Read]

Hi Walter
The ignition light is designed to come on when the battery voltage is 
equal to or greater than the alternator output voltage.
ie. shows when the alternator is *not* charging the battery.
The light is usually part of the regulator circuit.
The small current it draws before engine start is crucial to the 
alternator's voltage buildup process.

Have you measured the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine 
on and off?

Cheers
Dave
South Oz


Walter Reynolds wrote:
> Hi Rovernet'ers. Any thoughts on my electrical problem:  My IGN light 
> won't go out.  This is the third spring in a row where I have 
> experienced this. Repairs to date have been new battery plus R&R 
> generator; R&R voltage regulator; new voltage regulator.  Car is 1968 P6 
> SC automatic.  No problems turning engine over or starting engine.
> 
> Other than charging the battery with a battery charger and check that 
> the fan belt appears tight enough, I've not spent any serious time on 
> the problem yet, this time, but plan on starting to look into it on Monday.
> 
> First thing I will do is to replace the voltage regulator with a new one 
> that I bought from Ruth (when last years problem arose - but didn't need 
> because the garage I took the car to had one) and see what happens.  If, 
> after the change-over, the IGN light stays on, then it's time to look at 
> the generator - not a task I welcome because it's so hard to get at the 
> generator.
> 
> Before I get the hands mucky, any thoughts?
> 
> Thanks.  Walter.