alternators

[ross501]

could anyone tell me where the 3 wires go off the back of the alternator 1 to the dash 1 to the starter this leaves a third

problem being the landy is not charging and the light in the dash does not work but the bulb and the wire beetween the alternator and bulb are both fine

[mark.yellow.series.3]

usually,
the large terminal is connected to the battery, more ofter via the big terminal on the starter, this is what puts the charge in the battery.

small terminal that goes to the dash light provides the exitaion to the alternator, with out this the alternator woulndt give an output, and also indicates if the alternator is working ( but not always )

the other terminal is probibly an output to run a rev counter.

[ross501]

the third wire just floats around by the starter motor on mine dont think its ever been connected  but the light does not come on and it does not charge

[ian_s]

where does the 3rd wire link to the alternator? in the same block as the other 2 or somewhere else?

if the light is not coming on at all, i'd check that the wire from the starter motor is delivering voltage to the alternator, then check the same on the smaller cable that comes from the dash. (with the ignition on, obiviously)
if either of those dont have 12 v at the alternator, i dont think it will charge.

[ross501]

it links to the same block all the wires are ok tested them just the alternator got very wet and was wondering if this has killed it now

[mark.yellow.series.3]

its possible the alternator is knackered. like i say, the light doesnt have to come on for alternator to be broke. usually the regulator has given up when it doenst charge and the light still goes out.


BTW the light does come on when your ignition is on but engine not running? a blown dash bulb will give you no charge as well.

[ross501]

the light is fine tried that just the alternator is only a few weeks old had to replace it when the old one got wet now this one is knackered
how does everyone drive through lakes and stuff with there alternators not dying

[mark.yellow.series.3]

the light is fine tried that just the alternator is only a few weeks old had to replace it when the old one got wet now this one is knackered
how does everyone drive through lakes and stuff with there alternators not dying

mine is on top of the engine out of the way.
but starters about knackered.

[S188]

The warning light should be powered from the ignition circuit on one side and the altinator on the other (small spade if its got 3 spades next to each other on the back.

The 2 big spades I think should both go to the starter selonoid main post (battery side).  Why there are 2 I don't know but thats the way my motors set up and it works fine.  My dads landy only has one of these wires conected and with both the present and the preveous altinator (died by bareing failure) the charge lamp often glows slightly and the battery never charges very fast.  (its a Hella, I suspect it'll be higher output to my old lucas one in my landy should be better but its not) I recon its only getting half the amps and the altinator isn't that happy because of it (adding the second wire is on the to do list!)

[ross501]

new alternator only lasted 6 miles the light came on the dash and there was smoke coming from it any suggestions

[mark.yellow.series.3]

new alternator only lasted 6 miles the light came on the dash and there was smoke coming from it any suggestions

take it back and get another :lol:

you cant make it blow up even if you get the wires wrong (i dont think)
not quite sure what has happened there.

[ross501]

think that is a good idea  just hope ther is not a fault on my wireing

[scotana]

i thought that one large wire goes to the battery +ve for charging
the other thick wire goes to the ignition for power supply(to stop you draining your battery)
and the small wire goes to the bulb on the dash(something to do with resistance)

[ross501]

only 1 large wire goes to starter +   and 2 small ones 1 to dash