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jonb_5

329 Posts
Member #: 3193
Senior Member

Torbay, Devon

Hi,

I have had a problem with my ignition light not working.

While driving to the MOT sation today it came on and stayed on, only going off when the ignition was turned off. It only came on though when the car was running, it was off when just ignition was on.

I know this is not normal, think the wiring is all correct and the bulb etc obviously works.Is there any way i can test the set up?

Thanks

Jon


James_H

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3692 Posts
Member #: 1833
Formally mini_majic

Auckland, New Zealand

do you mean the battery light yeah? the charge warning light?

if so you need to check the output of the alternator with a multimeter on Voltage.

you should be getting between 13-15V at idle. anything lower than 13V and you really need either to recondition your alternator or fit a new one.

before testing anything fully charge your battery (although it theoretically shouldnt make a difference to the output voltage of the alternator)

this could be the problems with your lights also.

if your output is fine and its still doing the same thing with the battery fully chaged then it sounds like you have something rather wrong wiring wise.


jonb_5

329 Posts
Member #: 3193
Senior Member

Torbay, Devon

Hi,

This morning I have tested battery with engine on and off, the same reading for both 12.5 ish volts.

Also tested the alternator with engine on and off, this was also the same around 12.5 ish volts, roase a little when i put the revs up.

I thought the alternator was knackered so i took it out and took it to a local car place who tested it for me, under a load of 20amps.

They said it worked fine, my problem being a dodgy fues or connection and if i couldnt fine it to bring it down to them??

What do you reacon, as i have proved the alternator works ok.

Where should i be checking for wire route etc??

Thanks for all of the help

Jon


James_H

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3692 Posts
Member #: 1833
Formally mini_majic

Auckland, New Zealand

if with the engine running you are only getting 12.5V at the battery, your alternator is not fine.

i would suggest you try a decent second hand one mate.

as i happens i have a decent second hand one that you can try and if it works chuck a few notes this way.

i live in teignmouth so would be a problem to drop it over.


Rod S

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5988 Posts
Member #: 2024
Formally Retired

Rural Suffolk

It could be that the alternator is actually fine (if the local car place actually had the facilities to test it properly) and there is a wiring fault, possibly in the multiway plug (checkthe small wire especially).

Easiest way to be sure is to substitute a know good spare as James says.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???


Bat

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Member #: 786
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Bermingum

Hi
Unplug the alternator wiring, switch the ignition on the light should be off.
Now ground the thin brown with a yellow stripe wire this should bring the light on.
With a charged battery at idle you should see a minimum of 13.5V.
Check for oil on the fan belt too *wink*
Cheers
Gavin :)

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jonb_5

329 Posts
Member #: 3193
Senior Member

Torbay, Devon

Hi,

Have just checked voltage with engine on and off, and reving slightly, all stay at around 12.7 volts.

I took the brown/yellow wire and grounded it and noting happend.

I used a resistance buzz test and it worked fine, showing there is not a break in the wire.

I also used a multimeter on the bulb, the interesting thing here is that it only produced a voltage when i reved the engine, more voltage as the revs got higher, i am really stuffed on this one.

Can you help??

Cheers

Jon


jonb_5

329 Posts
Member #: 3193
Senior Member

Torbay, Devon

I have rewired the bulb holder with a 12v ignition live from the voltage stabilizer and also the wire to the alternator - guess what,


IT WORKS!!

Thanks for all the help

Cheers

Jon


jimmy

1300 Posts
Member #: 829
Post Whore

essex




On 5th Dec, 2008 jonb_5 said:
Hi,

I have had a problem with my ignition light not working.

While driving to the MOT sation today it came on and stayed on, only going off when the ignition was turned off. It only came on though when the car was running, it was off when just ignition was on.

I know this is not normal, think the wiring is all correct and the bulb etc obviously works.Is there any way i can test the set up?

Thanks

Jon
fuse box fault mate

1293 Turbo mini

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