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Charge Light Connection- BAAB Posted by eric in vermont [Email]  (#2058) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from eric in vermont) on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:49:40
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BAAB,
Sorry for not answering your question about the charge light connection- I've been extremely busy and had no time...
So, I'm convinced your voltage regulation problem is because you have no charge light connected. The current through the charge light sort of kick starts the alternator field winding at startup and low RPMs. Once the alternator gets to a certain RPM, it self excites and no longer needs the kick start.
The charge light should connect between the alternator D+ connection and to a switched B+ connection. What does that mean?
D+: the alternator in the normal VSaab has the three wire connection to the voltage regulator. A red (#61) wire is spliced into one of the connections called D+. Since you no longer have an external regulator, you need to look at the back of your alternator and find the terminal labelled D+ and connect one side of the light to it.
Switched B+: Your alternator has a BIG output wire called B+. If you connect your light directly to that, you'll slowly drain your battery. So you need to connect the other end of the light to a B+ source that only comes on with the ignition switch is on. A good spot is right at your fuse box- not sure which year VSaab you have, but you can find one easy enough that only has power when the ignition is on. The higher numbers like 7 and up would probably be a safe bet.
Two other comments-
1) You could briefly test this by clipping the light across the D+ and B+ terminals right at the alternator. Start the car and see if you still have your problem. This would prove it out. But make sure you change it over to a switched B+ terminal, or you'll drain your battery over time. (this happens with those one-wire alternators).
2) If you don't want the idiot charge light, you could use a resistor bought from Radio Shaft (no matter what you buy, YOU get the shaft...). I'd guess the light draws about 0.5 A max, so a 5 or 10 Watt ceramic resistor in the 20 or 25 ohm range would be good. I know that GM owners use a 10 ohm resistor that pulls about 1 amp. Careful- it can get hot.
Good luck!
eric in vermont
posted by 68.142.5...
, Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:49:40 <-- Viewing This Message
, Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:04:18
, Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:13:28
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