Ignition light on?

[vping]

My ignition light is on very bright at low rpms and when I am at speed it is very dimly lit. What does this signify? I thought it was a loose belt but tightening it did not solve anything.

 

[Steve_S]

It's a problem in the charging system somewhere. Generator wearing out maybe? Bad ground? Control box malfunctioning? All easy fixes, fortunately.

 

[vping]

Should have stated that it is an alterntor car, the 74.

 

[Bugeye58]

Vince, have you checked the output?
Jeff

 

[Steve_S]

Rephrase... bad alternator? Check the voltage at the battery lately?

 

[RickB]

Sounds like the Alternator - is the battery very fresh?

 

[LarryK]

Make sure all connections are tight, battery, altenator and engine ground wire is tight. Then connect a 12 volt tester on the battery and check battery voltage, should be 12.75 or higher, then start motor and recheck voltage should be higher, rev engine should raise and settle. If it only maintains battery voltage or less, need to replace diodes or altenator. If you have a voltage regulator check there too! As it will control altenator.

 

[DJThom]

Sounds like Alternator. May just be a bad relay inside. If you don't have a good local British auto electric place nearby, try looking for a place that does repairs on electrics for forklifts, agriculture equipment etc. Amazingly many of those still use Lucas alternators and they're familiar with repairs versus the "replace" crew