Re: Alternator idiot light

[JOE FULTON <piper_pa20@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bryan,

The 80 TSM has a pretty good DARS chart for diagnosing
alternator light problems.  Since your light does
work, you do not have a blown fuse (probably the
simplest thing to fix).

If your guages are all working normally with the
ignition on and the alternator light stays off, the
chart (step 6) says to disconnect the No 1 wire at the
alternator and ground it.  If the light comes on,
repair/replace the alternator.  

If the light still does not come on put the No 1 wire
(plug in connector) back in the alternator and ground
the AU terminal in the dash connector with a paper
clip. Turn the ignition on.  If the alternator light
comes on, you have an open in the ignition harness or
one of the alternator diodes (to No. 2 wire) is bad.

This will make more sense if you check a TSM from the
early 80s and can see the drawings.

Regards,
Joe Fulton
Salinas, CA
--- Teamamc <teamamc@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I have an 81 Eagle SX4.
> Yesterday on my way home the alternator idiot light
> came
> on. I pulled the Positive cable with the engine
> running
> and the alternator is still charging.
> I notice that when the engine idles really slow to
> the point of stalling the
> light goes out. When I turn the key to start the Car
> the ALT is out. after
> the engine starts the ALT light comes on.
> 
> Any Idea  on what would cause the aLT light to
> reverse itself.
> Thanks
> Bryan
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>