Idiot Light
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 160
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From: Chino, Calif.
Idiot Light
Hey guys/gals,
I am currently getting my 57' w/ 292 going (hopefully for summer
) I've installed a complete 12 circuit mini wiring kit from E-Z wiring, I have everything hooked up and working good (thanks to my dad) I am not a wiring genius and I want to hook up the idiot light for the generator. I looked at the shop manual and am having a hard time figuring it out. I tried what I "thought" the manual said, but the light stays on. I know it is charging correctly I've tested the system, I just need help figuring out this last piece of wiring.
I am currently getting my 57' w/ 292 going (hopefully for summer
) I've installed a complete 12 circuit mini wiring kit from E-Z wiring, I have everything hooked up and working good (thanks to my dad) I am not a wiring genius and I want to hook up the idiot light for the generator. I looked at the shop manual and am having a hard time figuring it out. I tried what I "thought" the manual said, but the light stays on. I know it is charging correctly I've tested the system, I just need help figuring out this last piece of wiring.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,014
Likes: 9,967
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I'm not sure about the old generator systems and I don't have one of my old schematics close by. On the newer alternator systems the idiot light is wired into the excitor circuit. With the alternator not turning (or not charging) voltage is applied through the idiot light to the alternator, the alternator grounds the circuit thus turning on the light. When the alternator is turning (or charging) volltage is supplied from the alternator back up to the idiot light. Now the idiot light has 12v applied to it from either direction which basically stops current flow and turns the light off.
I'm sure someone will be along shortly who can walk you through the specifics of the idiot light with the generator system
Good luck
Bobby
I'm sure someone will be along shortly who can walk you through the specifics of the idiot light with the generator system
Good luck
Bobby
Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 736
Likes: 0
From: Owasso Oklahoma USA
I found a wiring diagram for a '57 Ford car but will work for the charging indicator light on your truck also. The connections to the light are from the coil terminal on the ignition switch to the light and from the light to the A (armature) terminal on the voltage regulator. With the engine off and the ignition switch on the light should be on. The path is from the light to the armature and then to ground. When the engine is started, the generator will produce enough current to close the cut out contacts in the regulator and turn the light off.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 2
From: Seattle WA.
Originally Posted by 55wagon
Hey guys/gals,
I am currently getting my 57' w/ 292 going (hopefully for summer ) I've installed a complete 12 circuit mini wiring kit from E-Z wiring, I have everything hooked up and working good (thanks to my dad) I am not a wiring genius and I want to hook up the idiot light for the generator. I looked at the shop manual and am having a hard time figuring it out. I tried what I "thought" the manual said, but the light stays on. I know it is charging correctly I've tested the system, I just need help figuring out this last piece of wiring.
I am currently getting my 57' w/ 292 going (hopefully for summer
) I've installed a complete 12 circuit mini wiring kit from E-Z wiring, I have everything hooked up and working good (thanks to my dad) I am not a wiring genius and I want to hook up the idiot light for the generator. I looked at the shop manual and am having a hard time figuring it out. I tried what I "thought" the manual said, but the light stays on. I know it is charging correctly I've tested the system, I just need help figuring out this last piece of wiring. Rod 51F1
