[TR] TR4 generator light on

[Paul Willoughby]

Tired of having no gauge lights in my 1964 TR4, last night I bypassed the
rheostat by jumping the red wire to the red/white stripe wires.  It worked
great and I have bright gauge lights now.  But after 5 miles of driving at
night, the red charging system warning light came on.  I was able to complete
my trip to work, and drive back home later, about 20 miles.  The red light
stayed on the whole time, even after turning off the car and starting again,
twice.

Fan belt seems ok.  Battery voltage measured 12.7 when I got home.  While
driving, the Ammeter seemed pretty close to zero with the lights off.  The
needle went about 1/3 the way to the minus side with the headlights on.  About
half that with only the paring lights and interior lights.

Did I mess something up by bypassing the rheostat?  It was really easy and I
didn't disturb any other wires under the dash.  Is it just a coincidence?  Any
ideas on what the problem is and how to solve it?

Thanks
Paul Willoughby
Torrance, CA
1964 TR4
1956 TR3