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Stripped away stuff I don’t need, but will be using aftermarket gauges. Wondering what function the resistor has for the “charge” indicator? Is it important for proper function or just built-in to the instrument circuit board? In other words I was planning to just use a small 12v bulb for this purpose, having found the correct wires feeding the instrument panel.
Or, must I clip this resistor out and solder in my bulb circuit?
See photo for reference. Thanks.
The resistor is there to provide a current path for when the bulb may be burned out.It's a simple shunt resistor around the bulb. If the resistor was not there, or open itself, there is no path for the exciter voltage to turn on the alternator in the event the bulb is open.
P.S.
what exactly triggers the brake light btw?
is it just in case emergency brake is left on?
Parking brake position switch, low brake fluid level, bulb prove out when cycling the key from Off to Run. On a diesel I believe there is a low vacuum switch that will trigger a yellow brake light as well.
So the 'charge' light is not just an indicator that something is wrong (as triggered elsewhere in the system), but rather is part of the triggering system itself?
But the CEL and brake lights are just indicators and would not need the resistors (other than in the case of a burnt out bulb)?
As for the brake light, if the above statement is true, can I get by without it (or does the ECM need to see the circuit in that bulb prove out you mention)? As stated, this is all for a '52, with either aftermarket or junkyard parts, so I won't have a parking brake position switch or any kind of fluid level sensor.
So the 'charge' light is not just an indicator that something is wrong (as triggered elsewhere in the system), but rather is part of the triggering system itself?
You are correct
Originally Posted by GoldCo
But the CEL and brake lights are just indicators and would not need the resistors (other than in the case of a burnt out bulb)?
You are correct
Originally Posted by GoldCo
As for the brake light, if the above statement is true, can I get by without it (or does the ECM need to see the circuit in that bulb prove out you mention)? As stated, this is all for a '52, with either aftermarket or junkyard parts, so I won't have a parking brake position switch or any kind of fluid level sensor.
The ECM (computer) is not concerned about that circuit. The prove out function is only momentary for the operator to view the indicator bulbs. So if there is no bulb in place, no errors or codes will be flagged.
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