Volt meter reading low/battery light not working!?

[Karl TVR]

Just read a thread from a while back which is below:

'is your alternator light on the dash working OK ? I believe there needs to be a load for the alternator to start charging and if the bulb blows, the load has gone and so it doesnt charge...'

Hopefully the above quote is correct and this is a simple job or does anyone know of any other nasty reasons why my Volt meter is reading low and my battery dash light isnt on?

Thanks in advance

Karl

[Karl TVR]

I'm glad to inform everyone a quick replacement job of the battery bulb has solved the problem. No more dodgy volt meter

[Griffinr]

The statement is correct, the ignition warning light circuit provides the initiation current for the alternator. If the bulb fails the alternator will not start to charge. It may of course not be the bulb but a failure of the circuit or even the alternator. I would firstly check the connections on the alternator, particularly the small one which is the warning light circuit. If that’s OK then check the panel bulb. No idea how to get at these, tried it once and gave up.

If you want to check the alternator, connect a spare panel bulb between the battery positive and the small alternator terminal, it should light and then go off when the engine is started and rev’d.

Rob.

Edited to say: Whoops! bit too slow responding, glad your sorted.

Edited by Griffinr on Wednesday 14th July 09:10

[Karl TVR]

Griffinr said:

I would firstly check the connections on the alternator, particularly the small one which is the warning light circuit. If that’s OK then check the panel bulb. No idea how to get at these, tried it once and gave up.

Edited by Griffinr on Wednesday 14th July 09:10

The way to get at the dash lights is through the panel in the drivers footwell round about where your left knee is or the panel where the cigaret lighter is (on myS2 anyway. This pulls away and gives easy access to dash lights! Getting the little buggers out is another story though

karl