Everything is working exactly the way it was designed.
You have an alternator gauge (and light) which is an ameter, and not a
voltmeter.
When you start the car, at any time, you are using electricity from the
battery. Thus the light comes on. The alternator, once the car is
running, charges the battery back up to full charge, Thus the needle moves
to the right (recharging the battery) and then returns to the centre
(battery charged).
If your light does not come on when the car is stopped and all the power
stuff is turned on, your charging system is in excellent condition. It is
not abnormal to have a slight discharge when the vehicle is stopped and you
have the radio, heater or A/C, headlights, windshield wipers etc. all turned
on. Things are not right when there is a discharge, and /or the red light
is on, while the car is in motion.
Bill
Vancouver, BC
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark E Blitman
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, February 06, 2003 2:24 PM
Subject: IML: Alternator Lights-'74 Imperial
hi all..need a little advice..the little red light lights up in the morning
before it cranks over..during the day it comes on while cranking and then
goes out..the needle moves slightly to charge while on cold idle and then
returns to the center...red light never comes on while driving or idling
even with all power accessories going strong..is this normal operation?
thanks!
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