Anyone good with Chimaera electrics?

[Stevie Mojo]

My car's been laid up for a while and due to charging and recharging my battery, it's finaly gave up. I fitted a new one yesterday and now there's no problem starting it up any more. Problem is when the ignition is off the ignition light comes on and when the ignition is on, the light goes off.

Someone suggested it could be the alternator but the light is off when it's running and only comes on when the ignition is turned off. I have an old tester which says that the alternator is charging but I'm not convinced.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[scotty_d]

Stevie Mojo said:

My car's been laid up for a while and due to charging and recharging my battery, it's finaly gave up. I fitted a new one yesterday and now there's no problem starting it up any more. Problem is when the ignition is off the ignition light comes on and when the ignition is on, the light goes off.

Someone suggested it could be the alternator but the light is off when it's running and only comes on when the ignition is turned off. I have an old tester which says that the alternator is charging but I'm not convinced.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Put a multi meter across the alternator and you are looking for around 13-14V, I would fit a battery isolator switch to your car or just disconect your battery if laying it up for long periods.

Not so sure about your light bad earth some where? i would check the 100 amp fuses are tight they can cause some strange things to happen when lose mainly the one at the starter.

[Bodmin]

Stevie Mojo said:

Problem is when the ignition is off the ignition light comes on and when the ignition is on, the light goes off.

That usually indicates that the Zener diode in the alternator control pack is u/s. The Zener diode only allows the voltage in one direction i.e to the battery but if it is faulty it will drain the battery instead, hence the charge light staying on.

The diodes don't normally fail when not in use....so assuming you did not accidentally create a dead short when fitting the battery....the most likely culprit will be the 100amp fuse/connections as it will not be completing the circuit.

Bodders

[Stevie Mojo]

Sorted. I had the alternator checked and as suggested the diode was knackered. I now have a new battery, alternator and battery conditioner.

Many thanks.