Now I know that if alternator not charging as it should then warning ignition lamp will display, but what is this:
Switch on ign/OP lamps glow.
Starter operates no bother and engine fires.
Ign/OP lamps go out while engine in running.
Switch off - Ign warning lamp comes on and stays on.
Has me baffled. Nothing in Haynes.
Any pointers ? Switch itself?
DVD
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This could be a regulator/brush pack fault ot a diode blown in the rectifier pak I would expect the latter to cause an increase current to be drawn when the system is off. You can change the reg pack for about £15 Regards Peter
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Hi
What year/Mk escort is it? Does the warning light go out when you take the key out?
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Thanks Guys.
Peter - Rectifier Pack means as much to me as the sky is green. Been going through Haynes wiring diagram to trace ignition warning lamp circuit as someone suggested a short. Stuck in the maze. Lamp not even mentioned.
Mfarrow.
On all the time when in switched off mode and key removed. Have to disconnect battery to get the bl"""dy light out. Tis a much loved and pampered 1989 model. Had the steering cowl off as I though maybe some dirt in the switch shorting across. Nothing found.
Just wondering if Alternator going kaput as very small rumbling from that area.
More suggestions welcomed.........
DVD
(Non mechanic)
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Remove connector from rear of alternator and your light will go out. Test how much current is being drawn wither everything off and all the doors close i.e. courtesy lights out. If you do not have an alarm should be less than 1ma. Come Back. Peter
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Rectifier pack - IIRC it converts the AC current generated by the alternator to a DC current to drive the car's more sophisticated electrics. They use either 4 or 2 diodes to convert from AC to DC.
Are you sure the ignition is going off completely? On my Xsara, if the key is in the accessory position the battery warning lamp comes on to warn you that you're drawing current on the battery.
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Think you will find ignition switch is faulty.could be wrong but I have replaced a few if not more due to them not operating with the key.switch is mounted on rear end of keyswitch and they do wear so I would check operation of switch by taking it off and try whilst off.small screwdriver will turn it.if the switch is faulty.same thing will happen as far as I am aware their wasnt a warning you just had switch off problems.?
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Been sat chewing over Haynes and another car book. Ruled out short as OP/Brake on lamp both extinguish when switch off/Key out and from Haynes Chinese puzzle they are on the same circuit. Doesn't this mean that switch is OK?. To get new switch need new steering lock/new ignition key as they are all in one?
Having also found the rectifier pack in the exploded diagram of Alternator Peters theory seems fav. So if I remove the electric plug to the alternator the lamp should go out with the key out?
Does not this mean that the fault is on the alternator, a diode stuck open as suggested allowing power out to illuminate the lamp. New alternator (I am notstripping one down to get at the rectifier) should fix?.
OK so I'm a duffer but trying to learn.
DVD
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I dont for one minute dispute Peters theory.My point was escorts as a whole did suffer this problem.He may well be right.I was only trying to explain that the switch did short after switch off. it was caused by the link from the lock into switch.as the switch is only plastic wear did occur which meant the key lock did not operate the switch correctly.they can be replaced without replacing key and lock/no need for that.bear in mind if the ignition switched of by key the dash wont work.only acc.if left in that poss.anyone correct if wrong
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Hi
The "accessory" position (1) on these is only connected to the radio, nothing else. Position (2) keeps position (1) on and turns on the ignition, dash, warning lamps, etc.
Therefore the alternator warning light is only connected to position (2), so if it was sticking on because of the switch fault, the engine would still be running too.
Therefore I'm agreed with it being an alternator problem.
I only asked because I had a strange happening with my Escort last year in that the alternator warning lamp came on when I pressed the brake pedal! It turned out that it was the brake light fuse, which also powered the dash. A design feature to give you warning that your brake lights aren't working, or a useful coincidence?
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RESULT.....RESULT.....RESULT
And the Champion Diagnostic Gentleman of the Week is:
PETER. D.
Thanks Peter.
Thanks also to the others who gave suggestions and just as much appreciated.
New alternator fitted with much cursing and skin grazed hands and on re=connecting battery ( roll of drums) NO IGNITION LIGHT with switch off. All back to normal.
DVD
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Common symptom of a failed alternator is this light staying on.
--
groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
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