Light on dashboard?

[danhutton]

On my Chimp MkI, what is the light on the dashboard in between the speedo and rev counter? (the one at the bottom that lights up red!) Mine comes on when starting and stays on red for a few mins!

[thornogson]

Ignition warning light, goes out on start up. Sounds like you have alternator/charging problems.

[danhutton]

That would explaim my recent discharge of battery over the last 14 days! Never mind, replaced battery and bought a conditioner from Leven. Only use the car twice a month so Im not overly concerned!

[coach]

TWICE A MONTH

You Cruel Man!

Be kind to her (or Him)in future!

[shpub]

danhutton said:

That would explaim my recent discharge of battery over the last 14 days! Never mind, replaced battery and bought a conditioner from Leven. Only use the car twice a month so Im not overly concerned!

I would be as this could be a faulty alternator which could be dumping AC into the electrics. Has been known to fry the ECU and other electronics...

[danhutton]

How long should this light saty on for?

[shpub]

danhutton said:

How long should this light saty on for?

It should go out immediately the car is started. It will come on when the engine is stopped. Anything else indicates a problem.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[roobarb]

I have two lights, one on the speedo and the other inbetween the two dials. Do both light and go out at the same time ? My lights glow dimly when I have my lights/heater on. It has been suggested that the 100Amp fuse bolted to the chassis is the cause - and is often the cause of many an alternator problem.

[shpub]

Could be. Equally could be a bad earth but there is something not right.

[GreenV8S]

roobarb said:

My lights glow dimly when I have my lights/heater on

This indicates that there is a voltage difference between the alternator output and the output from the ignition switch. One common cause for this on the S series is a voltage drop across the plug connecting the ignition switch into the loom - I expect this would apply to the later models too. If the no-charge warning light ever comes on solidly while you're driving, stop and switch the engine off immediately. It may be indicating that the fan belt has broken/fallen off, in which case you've also lost drive to the water pump. If you keep going, you can damage the engine very quickly.