Ignition Warning Lamp

Couple things have you checked voltage after full fielding the generator which would trick that into generating more power , also what is the voltage reading going into the amp gauge bc remember most amp gauges have the main power going directly thru them and if they fail the rest of the system will be failing too. Have you also polarized the generator after the rebuild? Grounding is always key on auto electrical and you need to make sure everything has a good clean grounding terminal. Remember too to break the system down in half and check all connections first and then go either direction from there if there is power at that point then test from there on if nit test from there to the component. This is where I would start on everything. Keep it simple and check all components with a good multi meter if possible or at very minimum a test light. Get those numbers and go from there. They should be charging 13.2-14.3v with no components on then closer to 13.2 - 12.8v with everything on full load. Brad
 
Brad

I have not checked the voltage at the amp gauge, but I have checked it at the BATT terminal of the regulator (after it passes through the Amp gauge) and it is the same as the voltage of the Battery.

Yes, I did polarize the generator per the instructions with the new regulator.

I checked, cleaned and secured all contacts.

Yes, I checked and cleaned all ground straps. I even conducted tests with the regulator and the generator grounded directly to the negative post of the battery with a jumper...no charge.

I checked the resistance in the Field wire between the regulator and the generator...zero.

I had the generator and regulator bench tested...they worked fine on the bench.

For some reason, the generator does not charge when back in the car.

Not sure I understand what you mean when you say "full fielding the generator."
 
VaCat33 said:
Not sure I understand what you mean when you say "full fielding the generator."
Click to expand...

I think Brad means putting full battery voltage to the field causing the generator to produce unregulated voltage output if the generator is at higher than 'coming in speed' (usually 600-800 RPM). Be careful doing that as you can let the smoke out of any electrical component that might be on. Lightbulbs are quick to give up...

When you say "I checked the resistance in the Field wire between the regulator and the generator...zero" does that mean an actual reading of zero with a closed circuit or that it appears to be open? I'm sure you have it right, but there should be a minimal amount of resistance.

Good luck, -Kevin
 
Problem Solved

Hi All

Oneoffive had it right..."the bench test fibbed.":(:confused:

After much fiddling without any success in finding the cause of the problem, I went back to square one and had the generator rebuilt, despite the good bench test. Sure enough, that was it. My ignition warning lamp is off and I am reading a solid 14.5v @ 1500 rpm at the battery.:)

Thanks for all the help.

Jim
 
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