On Sat, 10 Jul 1999, Donald L. Gilbert, Jr. wrote:
> I unhooked the ignition switch thinking there might be a chance that the
> switch was bad, but even with all the wires undone from the ignition
> switch off, I still get a bright red ignition lamp... plus, my brake
> warning lamp glows dim. I checked the voltage in the white wire that
> supplies voltage for that an I get about 4 volts. It almost is acting
> like a ground problem, but I don't have any wires left.
IIRC the magic red light should only have voltage coming from the
alternator when the engine is is running and the alternaotr has
bootstrapped.
It sounds to me like there is a leak (interanlly or otherwise) in the
field circuit of the alternaotr. Is there any possibility that the
alternator is plugged in backwards, or incorrectly?
Are any plugs shorting out to the alternator case? Any chafed/ frayed/
loose connections?
Try wiggling plugs and wires while watching the red lamp. It helps to
have spiky hair, a twitch, and a maniacal cackle while diagnosing wiring
this this fashion. Giggle when you get zapped, it adds to the effect.
Has the alternator been bench tested? If it checks out OK, then you have
narrowed (!) the problem to the wires between the ignition switch and the
alternator. If you have a circuit tester, see if you can find all the
wires that are hot while the light's on.
Now, if your light still glows after you unhook the *battery*, then I'm
afraid you've stumped me ;-)
-Malcolm
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