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IGN light stays on - 1976 Spitfire

Last post 05-11-2009, 3:37 PM by davey. 3 replies.
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  •  05-10-2009, 9:12 AM 19372

    IGN light stays on - 1976 Spitfire

    I just bought a 1976 Spitfire 1500 and got it running again.  I am a mechanic by trde but do not have any expereice with older british cars.  I was wondering if the red ignition light is supposed to stay on in the speedo after the car is started?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I already see I have my work cut out for me with the wiring harnes and alternator.  Any pointers will be wonderful. Thanks.
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  •  05-10-2009, 5:06 PM 19376 in reply to 19372

    Re: IGN light stays on - 1976 Spitfire

     Probably the "diode pack" in the alternator...at least.
  •  05-11-2009, 4:32 AM 19378 in reply to 19376

    Re: IGN light stays on - 1976 Spitfire

    Here's a link to the schematic for that car...

    http://www.advanceautowire.com/tr2506.pdf

    GOOD LUCK!


    On their death bed, nobody ever said, "Gee I wish I'd spent more time at work!"

    '68 Sprite 1275
    '76 Midget 1500
  •  05-11-2009, 3:37 PM 19386 in reply to 19378

    Re: IGN light stays on - 1976 Spitfire

    By the way....

    The way that light works is by a developed "difference of potential". One side is always at 12V thanks to the battery, the other side is connected to the output of the alternator, and it will also be at 12V if the alternator is generating enough voltage. Since both sides are at 12V, then there is no difference of potential - hence no current flow through the light.

    If the engine is running below a certain idle, then the alternator is not producing enough voltage, so a difference of potential develops and current starts to flow through the light.

    The difference of potential is inversely proportional to the voltage being generated which is why the light is brightest when the engine is off. It comes on slowly as the engine speed slows down, first dim, then brighter and brighter as the engine slows more and more.

    Citing all of this electricity mumbo-jumbo, it appears to me that the side of the bulb that is supposed to be hooked to the alternator is actually grounded out somewhere.

    I hope this helps 


    On their death bed, nobody ever said, "Gee I wish I'd spent more time at work!"

    '68 Sprite 1275
    '76 Midget 1500