Answer to no "Gen" idiot light after one-wire alternator install
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Wichita, KS
Answer to no "Gen" idiot light after one-wire alternator install
Hello all, I installed a one-wire alternator and lost my idiot light.
I bought a low voltage sensor (LS-11) unit from Ron Francis Wiring, which is designed just for this application.
Here's the question: The indicator needs to hook up to a 12 volt keyed power source. What do you recommend for this? Any guesses which color wire I would look for, and where it is?
I'm pretty sure the other wire I need, besides ground, is the yellow/black wire that goes to the dash light itself...
I appreciate any assistance to save me some trial and error. I will document this to assist others in the future.
I bought a low voltage sensor (LS-11) unit from Ron Francis Wiring, which is designed just for this application.
Here's the question: The indicator needs to hook up to a 12 volt keyed power source. What do you recommend for this? Any guesses which color wire I would look for, and where it is?
I'm pretty sure the other wire I need, besides ground, is the yellow/black wire that goes to the dash light itself...
I appreciate any assistance to save me some trial and error. I will document this to assist others in the future.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Hemet ca.
Easiest way to find a switched 12v source is with a test light. Pick one up at any auto-parts place, Harbor freight or on line. Learn how to use it. (look up "How to use an automotive test light) Then start checking wires.
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man, i wish you'd posted before installing a 1-wire...i'd have tried to talk you out of it. 
but to your question- keyed 12v. if you need one inside the cab, the easiest/cleanest way is to tap into the fuse block. use the radio fuse, or something along those lines. you can use one of these:
my radio is long gone, so i used one of the tap kits to tie into that fuse, and power my gauges.
but to your question- keyed 12v. if you need one inside the cab, the easiest/cleanest way is to tap into the fuse block. use the radio fuse, or something along those lines. you can use one of these:
my radio is long gone, so i used one of the tap kits to tie into that fuse, and power my gauges.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Probly already came across this article in the FTE 'spec's/article' forum, have not taken the time to read myself so not sure if any help?
One Wire Delco alternator Installation In A Classic Ford Truck .: Articles
One Wire Delco alternator Installation In A Classic Ford Truck .: Articles
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 61
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From: Eugene
If you are looking for switched 12v under the dash then try the back of the ignition. It has a threaded rod that is switched 12v from what I remember. I used a multi-meter to find one when adding a tach a few weeks ago and ended up using that.
multi-meter is your best friend in these cases.
multi-meter is your best friend in these cases.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 274
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From: Wichita, KS
Thanks guys for a couple of good options. I think I have one of those fuse taps on the fusebox already. I will get this figured out as soon as I get the time.
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From: placer county usa?
man, i wish you'd posted before installing a 1-wire...i'd have tried to talk you out of it.
but to your question- keyed 12v. if you need one inside the cab, the easiest/cleanest way is to tap into the fuse block. use the radio fuse, or something along those lines. you can use one of these:
Amazon.com: Wirthco 30200 Fuse Tap Kits- Agc: Automotive
my radio is long gone, so i used one of the tap kits to tie into that fuse, and power my gauges.
but to your question- keyed 12v. if you need one inside the cab, the easiest/cleanest way is to tap into the fuse block. use the radio fuse, or something along those lines. you can use one of these:
Amazon.com: Wirthco 30200 Fuse Tap Kits- Agc: Automotive
my radio is long gone, so i used one of the tap kits to tie into that fuse, and power my gauges.
what don't you like here
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Wichita, KS
jetcopterpilot, You are right that a volt meter is a better solution. I just thought I'd keep the original idiot light for the sake of originality. I like the clean look of the dash with no extra or aftermarket gauges. No tachometer for me!
I think this Delco alternator will be very reliable and last a long time, knock on wood. The thing I like the best about it is eliminating the original voltage regulator. And yes I know the 1-wire alt has a regulator.
I will hook up this low voltage sensor soon. First, I want to figure out why my coil is not getting full voltage...
I think this Delco alternator will be very reliable and last a long time, knock on wood. The thing I like the best about it is eliminating the original voltage regulator. And yes I know the 1-wire alt has a regulator.
I will hook up this low voltage sensor soon. First, I want to figure out why my coil is not getting full voltage...
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,182
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these guys explain it way better than i could:
Catalog
its worth reading.
personally, i don't like things that can't be easily replaced by a trip to the nearest parts store, in case i run into trouble while on the highway.
Catalog
its worth reading.
personally, i don't like things that can't be easily replaced by a trip to the nearest parts store, in case i run into trouble while on the highway.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 0
From: Rossmoor at Seal Beach
jetcopterpilot, You are right that a volt meter is a better solution. I just thought I'd keep the original idiot light for the sake of originality. I like the clean look of the dash with no extra or aftermarket gauges. No tachometer for me!
I think this Delco alternator will be very reliable and last a long time, knock on wood. The thing I like the best about it is eliminating the original voltage regulator. And yes I know the 1-wire alt has a regulator.
I will hook up this low voltage sensor soon. First, I want to figure out why my coil is not getting full voltage...
I think this Delco alternator will be very reliable and last a long time, knock on wood. The thing I like the best about it is eliminating the original voltage regulator. And yes I know the 1-wire alt has a regulator.
I will hook up this low voltage sensor soon. First, I want to figure out why my coil is not getting full voltage...
I have a 140 amp one wire from tuff stuff, it has been awesome!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 4,385
Likes: 26
From: placer county usa?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 0
From: Rossmoor at Seal Beach
these guys explain it way better than i could:
Catalog
its worth reading.
personally, i don't like things that can't be easily replaced by a trip to the nearest parts store, in case i run into trouble while on the highway.
Catalog
its worth reading.
personally, i don't like things that can't be easily replaced by a trip to the nearest parts store, in case i run into trouble while on the highway.