Alternator Light Connection
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2024
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Alternator Light Connection
1966 F100 2WD.
To turn on the alternator light on the dashboard, a ground has to be supplied to the light. Where does the alternator light wire connect under the hood? I have installed a new Painless kit and I have a 1 wire alternator.
thanks
To turn on the alternator light on the dashboard, a ground has to be supplied to the light. Where does the alternator light wire connect under the hood? I have installed a new Painless kit and I have a 1 wire alternator.
thanks
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 119
The light isn’t grounded. When the alternator isn’t spinning to produce electricity and the ignition switch is in the on position. There is a difference in electrical potential. Meaning that the light sees a path for current to flow through this difference. When the alternator spins and starts producing electricity the potential is the same and current doesn’t flow anymore and the light goes out. If the alternator quit working that potential is back and the light comes on to warn you. In the original set up the little bit of current that flowed also excited the charging coil to start producing electricity. Which alternator do you have?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2024
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This is a one-wire alternator with the regulator circuit built in. It has one post that connects directly to the battery, meaning that there will never be any differential voltage across the light. Too bad OWAs don't present a post that you can hook an alternator light to. I can hook a voltmeter to it though.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
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3-wire can operate a dash light or gauge. 3G can operate a gauge or light. I've never run a 1-wire.
Check madelectric for diagrams, alternator info...affordable harnesses, etc.
MadElectrical.com - Electrical Tech
Check madelectric for diagrams, alternator info...affordable harnesses, etc.
MadElectrical.com - Electrical Tech
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