I would suspect the alternator. My former 71BGT showed similar symptoms,
assuming a consistent glow, when the diode failed (I replaced the
alternator back then, 20+ years ago). I have also had the light come on
when the brushes were worn but the ignition light tended to flicker when
the brushes wear to the point they needed replaced.
You should be able to remove the alternator and have it tested at an auto
supply parts store.
Or it can be tested with a multitester easy enough. I've not had to resort
to this - but the output lead (one of the browns, large connector) should
show about 14 volts and 34 amps at 3000-3500 rpms. But just looking at my
Moss catalog, it shows a nice troubleshooting diagram for the alternator.
And if my original theory is correct about the diode, you can use the
instructions to isolate the correct rectifier and replace it.
So my advice would be to get the Moss catalog and your multimeter, follow
the guide, and for a little over $20 for the correct rectifier and maybe an
hour or two of your time, you will have a working alternator and the pride
of knowing that you fixed the problem.
On the second question, I hope you get an answer. Because I have just
rebuilt my 72B, and I have the wires connected from the reverse switch
on the tranny, but I'm not sure where they plug into on my new wiring
harness. Although I'll eventually figure it out. Its still down the list a
ways on things I still need to do.
David Councill
67 BGT
72 B
At 09:02 PM 8/1/2003 -0400, William T Snyder wrote:
>Hello List,
>Today, I got my 72 BGT back from the tranny shop where they exchanged
>gearboxes for me (bartered for services). On the drive home, the ignition
>light began glowing red. I was in bright sunlight when I cranked up
>initially and cannot swear that the light was not on faintly from the get
>go. At higher RPM's the light was dim, lower RPM's brighter. As I neared
>home and the battery apparently weakened, the light became gradually
>brighter, and accessories began to fade (CD player). When home, I first
>checked the connections to the alternator. The smaller Brown/Yellow wire
>may have been loose. I tightened it. I checked the brown connections to
>the fuse block......apparently OK. I opened the battery compartment and
>the terminals were tight and clean. I crawled underneath to check the
>solenoid connections. The Brown/White connection was good; one large
>Brown was connected. Another large brown, apparently branching from the
>first was a dead end and taped off (Any ideas where it went originally?).
>
>With the assistance of a battery charger, I started the engine again. The
>ignition light still glows faintly.
>Can anyone give me any ideas on where to go next? Is there any way to
>check the alternator output at home using a multitester? Does the glowing
>ignition light mean that the battery is not being charged? Or does it
>mean that a short is discharging the battery? I am using a single 12V
>battery and will be giving it a slow charge overnight.
>
>Second question: While swapping trannies, I had the shop run me some
>wires from the reverse switch up to the passenger side of the firewall.
>My backup lights have never been hooked up since I have owned the car.
>Where do I look for connections to hook up the backup lights in the loom?
>
>Any advice or input is appreciated.
>Bill Snyder
>66 B
>72 BGT
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