Red&Black Kev Posted May 17, 2014 Share Posted May 17, 2014 Hi, I am desperately in need of some help. I have spent the last few months rebuilding my defender which included a full bodywork overhaul and a rewire (Kit from Autosparks). Everything is working great EXCEPT the battery charge / alternator warning light does not come on at all. I have tired the following: New alternator New bulb Wiring test from multi plug to alternator - ok Fitted new engine earth strap New Battery Cleaned battery connectors Alternator charges after a "blip" of throttle giving a healthy 14.6v. Frankly, my brain is fried on this one - any help greatly appreciated! Thanks Blake&Red Kev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eightpot Posted May 18, 2014 Share Posted May 18, 2014 have you got the thin brown/yellow wire connected to the correct terminal on the back of the alternator? Also check the bulb is working in the dash panel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red&Black Kev Posted May 18, 2014 Author Share Posted May 18, 2014 HI, Wires all correctly connected - I have checked the continuity brown yellow wire all through the engine harness and on the new bulkhead harness and all are ok. Bulb replaced then a new one tested and replaced again, still no joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted May 18, 2014 Share Posted May 18, 2014 examine the dash warning lights printed circuit, there maybe a broken track on it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red&Black Kev Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 Hi, Already swapped out the dash printed circuit membrane - still no joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Do a search in this forum for alternator connections, there is a diagram & notes on the symbols used on various alternators, worth checking again the wires are correct Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red&Black Kev Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 HI Ralph, All connections checked out ok plus this is a new alternator. I was wondering if it could be related to the ignition resistor or diode? Kev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 that's a possibility, there's a resistor within the loom approx location is between instrument pack & centre of dash, it'll need a partial dash strip down to access it, looks like a in line fuse holder covered with a PVC sleeve, these might help http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=43603&hl=%2Bignition+%2Blight+%2Bresistor http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=27348&hl=%2Bignition+%2Blight+%2Bresistor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Woodward Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Take the warning light wire off of the alternator and connect it to earth. If the warning light is then lit you have an alternator problem. If there's still no light then the issue is elsewhere. At the warning light panel remove the bulb and check for a 12v ignition supply at the bulb holder, if ok check for continuity from the other side of the bulb holder through to the alternator. If the diode is missing or failed then there will be no continuity between the warning panel and alternator, it will be in the dash loom somewhere. The resistor is connected in parallel with the warning lamp, if the bulb blows it will still allow an exciting current to pass enabling the alternator to charge. Even if the resistor is missing the lamp should still light. Hope that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HampshireHog Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Did your new alternator come in a blue box , its not inconceivable that it could be knackered , although not a problem like yours mine was shot bearings & exchanged no probs HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roverdrive Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 If you add a location to your profile, you may find there is someone local to you who can assist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red&Black Kev Posted June 15, 2014 Author Share Posted June 15, 2014 Hi, Sorry no feedback for a while but work gets in the way! Warning light still no working but not had time to work on it - I have fitted a voltmeter which show 11 volts on start then goes up to 14 volts after a minute or two (or after a bit of revs) so I am still thinking it may be the diode and I will follow Pauls advice next weekend and see where it leads. On the plus side it cruised through the MOT. Will let you know how it goes. Cheers guys, Kev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red&Black Kev Posted August 9, 2014 Author Share Posted August 9, 2014 Problem fixed - finally got around to biting the bullet and stripping out the dash - turned out to be a break in the wire from the back of the dash to the multi plug where you connect the engine harness. 5 minutes to fix - 4 hours removing & replacing the dash! Thanks for the help from everyone Kev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 glad you found the fault & it was a fairly easy fix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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