nickm Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Morning all Having a few charging probs on my lightweight, Ever since its been re-wired the alt has only ever had 1 big (32mm) wire direct back to the batt via a cut out never had a prob with winching starting etc til recently where the batt completely dies, Speaking to someone yesterday and they recon I should have an extra wire going into the alt from somewhere like the ignition can anyone else confirm this ? if so why has it been working fine uptil now (brush pack has been replaced and a 2nd alternator has been tried but still having same prob) cheers Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMUD Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 The second wire goes from a small terminal on the back of the alternator, through the red light on the dash and then to ignition live. When you turn on the ignition the contact on the back of the alternator is at 0V so current flows from the ignition live and lights the light. When you start the engine the contact on the back of the alternator rises to +12v and the light goes out as there is no longer a flow of electric across the bulb. I understand that this connection is need to "excite" something in the alternator and start it charging. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbarton Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 I understand that this connection is need to "excite" something in the alternator and start it charging.Chris Yes, and you need the correct bulb, otherwise the cut-in voltage can be effected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandyManLuke Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 I understand that this connection is need to "excite" something in the alternator and start it charging. Yup, exactly. If the alternator has been working without the warning light wire, it's been self exciting from stray residual fields, which has probably made charging a bit hit and miss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickm Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 Cheers guys can i just wire in one of those side repeater style lights then currently theres no batt light fitted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandyManLuke Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 as long as its got a low enough wattage bulb in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickm Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 as long as its got a low enough wattage bulb in it. ta will get it wired up this eve just to make sure am i wiring up 1 side of the bulb to the ignition then the othe side to the alt ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandyManLuke Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Yup, to the WL terminal on the alternator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbarton Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Side repeater bulbs are 5 watts, the alternator light is about 1.2 to 2 watts, depends on the type of alternator fitted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
istruggle2gate11 Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Side repeater bulbs are 5 watts, the alternator light is about 1.2 to 2 watts, depends on the type of alternator fitted. Hmmm, so would that be the reason why on my hybrid builds that Ive usually had to rev the engine past say 1500 rpm to excite the alternator? Typically, I always use a "ACME" warning light from the local motor factors (peraly wotnots springs to mind). Dont know the wattage, but always assumed low. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandyManLuke Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Dont know the wattage, but always assumed low. Sounds like not low enough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickm Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 thanks for the info will give the repeater light a go for now (as i have a spare) might see if i can get a different bulb for it at sometime Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.