electrical and ignition Charging issues.

[danielp.per3]

it does flash but so does my hazards switch and nope it doesnt 

[Mike Self]

If your alternator warning light (the one with the " L"--joking referred to as standing for 'lectric--isn't coming on at all when you turn the ignition to on (but without starting the engine), the bulb may be burned out or otherwise not functioning.  If that bulb isn't working, the charging system won't function.  So make sure that bulb is lighting full strength when you turn the ignition to on.  If not, change the bulb and see if it now lights.  If not, with a known good bulb, you've got a wiring problem to trace.  

 

mike

[JohnH]

I'm confused! Is the RED "L" illuminated when the key is in RUN but NOT STARTED?

 

[732002Malaga]

That is correct. The L is lit when you turn the key, but not start the car.

After you start the car, the L should turn off. If it doesn't, you have a charging issue.

If you use a stock set up, the L bulb needs to be functional otherwise you get a short in the system.

I have bypassed all this by switching to a GM CS130 alternator and removing the generator/regulator and going to a 2 wire setup. I now have 105 amps at startup and access to replacements at about $80 all day long.

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[Chris_B]

You may want to read this:

 

[JohnH]

The next thing I was going to suggest, if the "L" wasn't illuminating was to start the engine and jump the alternator trigger as per this;

 

You should hear the engine note change as the alternator loads up.

Edited May 29, 2016 by JohnH